‘Play no matter the cost’

‘Play no matter the cost’ – How Sadio Mané saved Senegal’s AFCON victory

Zuko Komisa

• Senegal’s players and coaches initially agreed to boycott the final following a series of controversial pitch-side incidents.
• Sadio Mané overruled the collective decision, urging his team to focus on the “bigger picture” and return to play.
• The Teranga Lions went on to defeat Morocco 1-0 in extra time, successfully securing their second AFCON title.

Sadio Mané has been hailed for his decisive leadership after revealing he single-handedly prevented the Senegal national team from abandoning the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

In a highly charged encounter, tensions reached a breaking point following a controversial refereeing decision.

Both the playing squad and coaching staff had reached a formal agreement to withdraw from the match in protest.

However, the deputy captain intervened, demanding his teammates return to the pitch to honour the occasion and the nation.

“I didn’t understand that decision [to withdraw],” Mané admitted following the trophy presentation.

“I told everyone to return immediately and to play no matter the cost.”

His intervention proved a masterstroke; Senegal regained their focus and eventually secured a 1-0 victory in extra time courtesy of a Pape Gueye strike.

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