Mane leads Senegal into AFCON final as retirement calls grow louder
Sadio Mane stands on the brink of another Africa Cup of Nations triumph after captaining Senegal into Sunday night’s final against hosts Morocco, with growing calls for the forward to delay his international retirement following a decisive tournament campaign.
The 33-year-old has been central to Senegal’s run in North Africa, contributing two goals and three assists, and delivering the defining moment of the semi-final with a late winner against Egypt to secure a 1-0 victory and end Mohamed Salah’s hopes of lifting his first AFCON title.
Mane’s strike in midweek capped a disciplined display from the defending champions, who absorbed long periods of pressure before striking when it mattered most. Egypt threatened through Salah and Omar Marmoush, but Senegal’s organisation and patience ultimately proved decisive in a tense contest.
The significance of Sunday’s final is heightened by Mane’s own words earlier in the tournament, where he suggested this AFCON would be his last. Senegal are now chasing just their second continental crown after their historic triumph in 2021, while Morocco aim to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976 in front of a home crowd in Rabat.
The semi-final was played in a charged atmosphere, with Egyptian supporters creating a hostile backdrop and Senegal forced to manage spells without possession. Mane operated intelligently between the lines, linking midfield to attack and drawing defenders away to open space for his teammates.
Chances were scarce in the opening exchanges, with Edouard Mendy called upon to make a sharp save before the break. Referee decisions were largely uncontroversial, allowing the contest to flow, though the physical intensity reflected the stakes involved.
The decisive goal arrived late when Mane pounced inside the box, guiding his finish beyond the goalkeeper after sustained pressure. It was a moment of calm execution that underlined his value on the biggest stage.
After the interval, Egypt pushed higher and Senegal were forced deeper, but tactical discipline and timely substitutions helped see out the result. Mane continued to lead by example, tracking back and calming the tempo when required.
Now attention turns to the final, where Senegal boss Pape Thiaw has publicly urged his captain to reconsider stepping away from international football. Thiaw described Mane as a symbol for Senegal and Africa, highlighting his influence on and off the pitch and his role in past successes, including World Cup qualification and the nation’s first AFCON title.
Teammates have echoed those sentiments, with Pape Gueye and Moussa Niakhate praising Mane’s humility, longevity, and leadership, and stressing their desire to see him continue beyond this tournament.
Sunday’s showdown at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium kicks off at 7pm, with Senegal seeking another star on their shirt and Morocco aiming to make history at home. Whether or not it proves to be Mane’s final act in international football, his impact on this AFCON has already shaped the tournament, and one last performance could yet define his legacy.