‘That was real leadership’ - Rio Ferdinand hails Mane, claims he saved African football after chaotic AFCON final

The final was marred by controversy, leading the Senegalese team, led by coach Pape Thiaw, to walk off the pitch in protest of the officiating. 

The incident began when a Senegal goal was disallowed by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo for a foul in the build-up.

Tensions escalated in the 90th minute when Morocco was awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz went down from a contact with Malick Diouf, with the referee consulting the VAR monitor and pointing to the spot.

The incident led to the Senegalese team walking off the pitch and heading for the tunnel. However, captain Sadio Mane remained on the field, urging his teammates to return and complete the match.

Speaking on his "Rio Presents" podcast, Ferdinand condemned the walk-off but lauded Mane for his decisive intervention.

"I don't think I've ever seen anything like this in football, certainly not in a game of that magnitude," Ferdinand said. 

"Everything was at risk; African football was at risk the moment the Senegal team went down that tunnel. 

‘Whether they were right or wrong in their belief... to walk off the pitch based on the decision that was made didn't look right."

"Sadio Mane saved African Football, not just Senegalese football," he continued. "He brought his team out of the tunnel and said, ‘Listen, guys, win or lose, you have to come out and play. The game, African football demands it.’ That was real leadership."

Meanwhile, in response to the events at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a statement condemning the disruption and has launched an official investigation.