As Senegal prepares to face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday in Rabat (19:00 GMT), all eyes are on legendary forward Sadio Mane, who might be making his final appearance in the continental championship. The 33-year-old Al-Nassr striker, who scored the decisive penalty against Egypt to secure Senegal’s first AFCON title in 2021, now stands on the brink of claiming his second continental crown.
Mane’s journey began on the red-earth streets of Bambali in southwestern Senegal, where he first developed his passion for football. His career has since blossomed into an extraordinary legacy that includes Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Liverpool, alongside his historic achievements with the Teranga Lions.
Despite his global success, Mane has remained deeply connected to his roots. His philanthropic efforts in Bambali include funding hospital and school construction, supporting mosque projects, and contributing to pandemic relief efforts. This humility was evident during his time in England when he anonymously helped clean toilets at a Liverpool mosque after matches.
On the pitch, Mane has been instrumental in Senegal’s 2025 AFCON campaign, leading the tournament in chances created (18), shots on target (10), and touches in the opposition half (295). His 78th-minute semifinal strike against Egypt—another chapter in his ongoing rivalry with the Pharaohs—secured Senegal’s place in the final.
Teammates describe Mane as both a tactical leader and spiritual motivator. Midfielder Pape Gueye revealed how Mane’s pre-match speeches have galvanized the squad, while defender Moussa Niakhate called him “an incredible man” whose legacy transcends football.
The Senegalese squad now hopes to convince their record goalscorer (53 goals in 120+ caps) to reconsider his potential AFCON retirement and continue through the 2027 edition. Coach Pape Thiaw stated unequivocally: “The country does not agree with his decision, and I as coach do not agree at all. We would like to keep him for as long as possible.”
As Sunday’s final approaches, Senegal’s players have extra motivation: to deliver a second star for the man who has given so much to Senegalese football. As Gueye expressed, “If this really is his last AFCON, we want to offer him this trophy.”