US EditionAFCON Final: Sadio Mane Cements His Legacy as African Giant Leading Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations Glory
Sadio Mane ended Senegal's protest over a VAR-awarded penalty and helped lead the team to an AFCON final win after extra time, highlighting his leadership and professionalism.
- On Sunday, Sadio Mane, Senegal's stand-in captain, called teammates back at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium so a VAR-awarded penalty could be taken amid chaos.
- Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded a VAR-reviewed penalty to Morocco, hosts, prompting Pape Thiaw, Senegal coach, to order a walk-off and causing a 14-minute delay amid pitch invasion attempts.
- Inside the dressing room, Mane stormed in during the 14-minute delay and urged teammates to return, while Brahim Diaz's panenka was saved by Edouard Mendy after play resumed.
- Senegal secured the title when Pape Gueye scored in the fourth minute of extra time, sparking celebrations and prompting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to declare Monday a public holiday.
- With retirement announced earlier in the week, Sadio Mane's intervention helped pave the way for the title and highlighted his professionalism in his last AFCON after six editions.
21 Articles
21 Articles
AFCON 2025: Sadio Mane Shows Leadership, Calls Back Senegal Teammates In Chaotic Final Win Over Morocco
AFCON 2025: Amid stoppage-time disorder in the final, Sadio Mane showed incredible leadership to call the Senegal back onto the pitch before they defeated hosts Morocco in extra time
Senegal receive punishment verdict but Sadio Mane hailed after AFCON final drama - The Mirror
THE BIG DEBATE: The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final descended into chaos after Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were given a stoppage-time penalty
Soccer-Mane leaves Cup of Nations stage at the top
RABAT, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Senegal talisman Sadio Mane emerged with more than just the Player of the Tournament award after Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final, earning widespread respect for persuading his aggrieved side to complete the match against Morocco. Read full story
About 20 minutes of chaos, an absurd penalty show and a dream goal in the extension: In the end Sadio Mané and Co. celebrate with Senegal the victory at the Africa Cup – the host coach finds clear words.
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