Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in an exciting final against hosts Morocco on Sunday.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has no plans to retire from football anytime soon (Image: )
Sadio Mane wants to represent Senegal at the 2026 World Cup and has said he will retire from international football after that. The former Liverpool and Southampton star played a key role in Segenal winning the African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Morocco in an action-packed final.
The 33-year-old, who plays for Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia, contributed to five points with two goals and three assists during the tournament. He was a constant presence as Senegal won the AFCON for the second time.
After the final whistle, Mane told beIN Sports: “I will try to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. After that I will retire from international football. The Saudi league is very competitive and very strong. People need to know that. It is one of the best leagues in the world.”
read more: Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy asks if Brahim Dias intentionally missed Panenka’s penalty in the AFCON finalread more: Sadio Mane, Senegal’s star, explains AFCON actions in resisting team protests with powerful message
Mane showed his class throughout the tournament and played a key role in the dramatic end to normal times. Sunday’s final in Rabat descended into chaos when the hosts were awarded a penalty eight minutes into stoppage time, shortly after Senegal were denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal that fixed the score at 0-0.
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Senegal manager Pape Thiau ordered his players off the pitch, but the match continued after about 16 minutes, after former Liverpool star Mane (who remained on the field for a while before heading to the changing room) persuaded his teammates to finish the game.
In the end, Real Madrid forward Brahim Dias fired Panenka’s penalty straight at keeper Edouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye’s stunning extra-time victory sealed Senegal’s second AFCON crown.
“It would be unfortunate and sad if such a scenario happened,” Mane told reporters about the possibility of the match being called off. Thiau apologized after the match for forcing the Senegalese players off the pitch.
Sadio Mane hopes to represent Senegal at the World Cup (Image: )
“After reflecting, I let them return (to the pitch). They can react to the heat of the moment,” Thiau told BeIN Sports.
“We accept the referee’s mistake. We shouldn’t have done it, but it’s over and we apologize to the football community.
Morocco coach Walid Leglaghi accused Thiau of orchestrating the Senegal strike protests, saying: “The image we have given to Africa is shameful. This is a coach who asks his players to leave the field.”
“Papu’s actions are not honorable to Africa. Thiau was not classy. But he is a champion and can say what he wants. He stopped the fight for 10 minutes in front of the world’s attention.”
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