Sadio Mané has explained why he stepped in to stop Senegal from walking off the pitch during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco.
The final was filled with controversy, with several refereeing decisions angering the Senegalese players and coaching staff. Tensions peaked when Morocco were awarded a penalty for an alleged foul on Brahim Díaz — a decision many in the Senegal camp felt was soft. In protest, some players began leaving the pitch, with head coach Pape Thiaw among those heading toward the tunnel.
Mané, however, remained on the field and spoke calmly with the match officials. The former Liverpool forward then called his teammates back, allowing the match to continue.
Play eventually resumed, and the decision proved crucial. Díaz missed the penalty after attempting a poorly executed Panenka that went straight to goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Moments later, Pape Gueye scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.
After lifting the trophy as captain, Mané explained that he felt stopping the match would have caused unnecessary damage to the image of the game.
“When they decided to leave the pitch, I stayed and asked myself if it was the right thing to do,” Mané told reporters. “I decided to bring everyone back because football must be respected. Referees can make mistakes — that is part of the game. It is not fair to stop a match like that.”
He added that millions of people around the world were watching and that players had a responsibility to protect the sport’s reputation.
“Football is a pleasure for people everywhere,” Mané said. “We have to give a good image. I would rather lose a match than see something like this happen to African football.”
Coach Pape Thiaw later admitted he regretted his initial reaction and apologised for his role in the protest.
“I didn’t appreciate telling my players to leave the field,” Thiaw said. “After thinking about it, I asked them to return. Sometimes emotions take over, but we accept the referee’s decisions and apologise to football.”
Mané’s actions were widely praised, including by former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul, who was working as a pundit during the match.
“The only Senegal player who impressed me in that moment was Sadio Mané,” Kachloul said. “He showed real leadership by bringing his teammates back. That tells you what kind of man he is.”
