Asisat Oshoala praises Sadio Mané’s leadership after Senegal’s dramatic win over Morocco

Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala has showered praise on Senegal captain Sadio Mané for his exemplary leadership during Senegal’s dramatic victory over Morocco in their AFCON 2025 clash.

The Super Falcons forward commended Mané for keeping his teammates calm during a tense moment that threatened to derail the match.

The decisive moment occurred late in the second half when Morocco was awarded a penalty after Brahim Díaz was fouled inside the box. In protest of the decision, several Senegalese players began walking toward the touchline, signalling a possible walkout.

While his teammates headed for the sidelines, Mané remained on the pitch, urging them to return and continue the game. His calm intervention convinced the players to resume play, preventing potential sanctions and allowing the match to proceed.

Mané’s leadership proved moments later as goalkeeper Édouard Mendy denied Brahim Díaz with a poorly executed Panenka penalty, keeping the scores level and sending the encounter into extra time.

Senegal eventually made their dominance count when Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, sealing a dramatic victory over the Atlas Lions.

Following the match, Asisat Oshoala took to her official X (formerly Twitter) account to congratulate Senegal and single out Mané for his influential role during the heated penalty episode.