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NEW
AFCON 2025
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Former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has heaped praise on Sadio Mane, crediting the Senegal captain for his leadership during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Odion Ighalo has credited Sadio Mane for his leadership during the chaotic closing stages of Senegal's win against Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final.
The showpiece event in Rabat on Sunday night descended into unprecedented drama when Senegal’s players staged a walk-off in protest.
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16:31 - 19.01.2026
AFCON 2025: Morocco set to sue Senegal regarding the withdrawal of their players in the final
The Moroccan FA (Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF)) have announced that they will take legal action against Senegal for withdrawing their players from the field during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tension peaked in stoppage time after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a contentious penalty to hosts Morocco for a tug on Brahim Diaz, only minutes after Senegal had seen a potential winner of their own disallowed for a marginal foul.
As the Senegalese squad headed for the tunnel in a show of collective defiance, Mane remained a lone figure on the pitch, eventually intervening to persuade his teammates to return and complete the match.
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Odion Ighalo hails Mane as true leader
Speaking as a pundit on SuperSport, Ighalo highlighted that Mane’s decision to stay and lead his team back prevented what could have been a catastrophic stain on the tournament’s reputation.
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"Sadio Mane saved the face of African football, and he’s a man who stood out. He took all his teammates back onto the field to continue the game," Ighalo said.
"He deserves to win that trophy, and he deserves the captain’s armband."
Ighalo noted that while the emotions of the final were understandably high, Mane’s actions reflected a deep sense of responsibility and respect for the global audience watching the game.
After the brief delay, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s audacious "Panenka" penalty, sending the game into extra time with the momentum firmly shifted.
The Teranga Lions capitalized on their second chance just three minutes into the added period. Mane was once again involved, showing great composure to help set up Pape Gueye, who rifled home the game-winning strike to secure Senegal’s second-ever AFCON title.