In the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal will face Morocco.
Sadio Mane, the 33-year-old legendary forward of Senegal, previously announced that the final against Morocco is expected to be his last match in the Africa Cup of Nations in his career. Although this decision had been foreshadowed, it still came as a shock to Senegal. Head coach Pape Thiaw is still trying to convince the star player to continue competing.
"We know how to play in a final. As they say, you have to win the final. Personally, I would be more than happy to play another Africa Cup of Nations final," Mane said, bringing an end to his continental campaign representing Senegal this Sunday.
The former Liverpool striker has made 123 appearances for the national team, including 28 in the Africa Cup of Nations, and now feels it is time to turn the page on the most glorious chapter of his career.
"This announcement has shocked Senegalese football," Thiaw stated.
"But it's not surprising. We had anticipated it for a long time; it was a well-thought-out decision that had been brewing for a while. He came to this Africa Cup of Nations in excellent form, striving to create an extraordinary tournament. The best proof is that he was mentally and physically prepared for every match. Just look at his speech before the semi-final against Egypt, it was truly inspiring. Everyone pulled together to give him the best possible send-off," he said.
With two goals and three assists, Mane remains Senegal's leading figure, and national team coach Pape Thiaw is well aware of Mane's importance. He has made multiple trips to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to persuade Mane to stay.
At Saturday's press conference, Thiaw emphasized in an unusual manner: “This is not a decision he can make alone. The people want him to continue playing, and I think he made a hasty decision. The country does not agree, and as the national team coach, I do not agree either.”
"We hope he will stay here for as long as possible. He represents Africa, he represents the world. We need people like him, thanks to his humility and knowledge. He has given everything for Senegal," he said. All Senegalese present applauded for several seconds.
