After the semifinal, former Liverpool star Sadio Mane revealed he will not play another AFCON for Senegal.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw says he hopes Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco will not mark Sadio Mane’s last appearance at the tournament, urging the former Liverpool forward to reconsider his decision to walk away.
“His decision is no longer up to him. There is a whole people behind him, too, and they would like to see him continue,” Thiaw told reporters in Rabat on the eve of the final.
Mane, 33, announced after Wednesday’s semifinal victory over Egypt — in which he scored the decisive goal — that he would not play in another AFCON. His comments suggested he may retire from international football altogether after the World Cup in North America later this year, by which time he will be 34.
The next Cup of Nations is scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the 2029 edition moved forward to 2028.
“I think he made his decision in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw said. “The country does not agree, and I, as coach of the national team, do not agree at all. We would like to keep him for as long as possible.”
Mane has been central to Senegal’s rise in African football, helping the Lions of Teranga win their first AFCON title in 2022 by scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Egypt. He also featured in the side that lost the 2019 final to Algeria. Sunday’s clash will be Senegal’s third final in four editions of the tournament.
Defender Moussa Niakhate praised Mane’s influence: “Sadio is an exceptional player who would have deserved to win a Ballon d’Or. Above all, he is just an incredible man. He doesn’t have a big ego. He just works hard and loves his country — the fact this is his sixth AFCON shows his longevity and consistency.”
Senegal Lodges Complaints Over Morocco Welcome
Thiaw also expressed frustration at the treatment his team received upon arriving in Rabat on Friday.
The Senegalese Football Federation issued a statement citing “serious concerns” about inadequate security during the team’s arrival, saying players and staff were put at risk. The federation also complained about the hotel arrangements, the limited number of tickets allocated to Senegalese supporters, and being offered a training pitch at Morocco’s base.
“What happened yesterday was not normal,” Thiaw said. “Given the number there, anything could have happened. My players could have been in danger. That type of thing should not happen between two brother countries.”
Morocco Eyes Historic Title
Morocco, ranked among Africa’s top two teams alongside Senegal, is chasing its first AFCON crown in 50 years. The Atlas Lions, semifinalists at the 2022 World Cup, are under pressure to deliver in front of home fans.
“We dreamt of being here and now we are, but the last step will be the hardest one,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui. “Senegal are a great side and this is their third final out of four, but it is great for African football to have a final between the two best teams.”
He added: “How we handle the emotion of the occasion will be important. We can’t put too much pressure on ourselves. The final is 50/50, but maybe it will be 51 percent in our favour with the crowd behind us.”
