A final on the edge of collapse

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final was moments away from unraveling. In a tense showdown against Morocco, Senegal eventually lifted the trophy, but the defining moment had nothing to do with a goal.

Instead, it was Sadio Mané’s authority that kept the final alive.

The flashpoint came in the 98th minute, when a penalty was awarded to the hosts after El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Díaz. The decision sparked chaos and outrage from the Senegalese bench.

Mané steps in

In protest, head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to head toward the tunnel. For several minutes, the final teetered on the verge of abandonment.

That is when Mané intervened.

The forward went into the dressing room, spoke directly to his teammates and convinced them to return to the pitch. The image of Mané leading Senegal back onto the field instantly became one of the defining visuals of the night.

“Mané went the extra mile to bring his team back, and it paid off,” said Daniel Amokachi on BBC World Service. “What an ambassador for African football.”

Penalty drama and the decisive blow

Sixteen minutes after the original call, play finally resumed. Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka, but Edouard Mendy read it perfectly and caught the ball, triggering huge relief among the Teranga Lions.

With the score still level, the match went to extra time. There, Pape Gueye delivered the championship moment, firing from distance to secure the title and seal a historic triumph for Senegal.

A farewell at the summit

Mané, who has hinted this could be his final AFCON, was handed the captain’s armband before lifting the trophy. It marked his second continental crown, following the 2021 title won against Egypt, also decided under extreme pressure.

From his beginnings in Bambali to European glory with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, and now a new chapter with Al-Nassr, the 33-year-old’s impact has always extended far beyond the scoresheet.

A stadium bears his name. His charitable work speaks for itself. His influence remains unquestioned.

The weight of a true reference point

With more than 120 international appearances and 53 goals, Sadio Mané stands as Senegal’s all-time leading scorer. At this AFCON, he was not the top finisher, but he was the emotional and competitive compass of the squad.

“He calmed us down when we needed it most,” said Pape Gueye. “His experience shows in the biggest moments.”

Head coach Pape Thiaw made his stance clear after the final: he wants Mané to continue at least through 2027. “The country does not agree with his retirement. Neither do we,” he stated.

In a final defined by controversy, tension and uncertainty, Sadio Mané once again proved that leadership wins titles. He did not need to score to decide the match.

He simply did what he has always done: step up when it matters most.

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