By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has praised Senegal captain Sadio Mané, describing him as an exceptional leader following his decisive intervention during the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat on Sunday.
Oshoala reacted on her verified X account (formerly Twitter) as events unfolded in the closing moments of the final, commending Mané for helping to restore calm after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco.
“Come back, we will play like men,” Oshoala wrote, quoting Mané’s message to his teammates.
“Football won. Congratulations to Senegal, and God bless Sadio Mané — what a leader.”
The AFCON final descended into chaos late in regulation time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, prompting furious protests from Senegal. Head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field, and several complied as the match teetered on the brink of abandonment.
At that critical moment, Mané stepped in. The Senegal forward urged his teammates to return to the pitch and complete the match, overriding emotions and emphasising sportsmanship and responsibility to the game.
Mané’s intervention proved decisive, as Senegal returned to the field, avoided a potential abandonment, and ultimately went on to secure victory — a result that crowned them African champions.
Reports following the match suggested that Mané insisted on continuing the game, acknowledging that referees can make mistakes and arguing that abandoning the final would have been unfair to fans watching across Africa and around the world.
Beyond the immediate sporting outcome, Mané’s decision also spared Senegal from potentially severe consequences. Abandoning the AFCON final could have led to formal disciplinary action by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), including heavy fines, possible suspensions from future tournaments, and long-term reputational damage.
Oshoala’s public praise echoed widespread admiration for Mané’s conduct, with many observers pointing to his leadership as a defining moment in a final overshadowed by controversy.
In a match where tempers flared and emotions ran high, Mané’s calm authority ensured the game reached its conclusion — reinforcing his status not just as a star forward, but as a leader whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Leave feedback about this