Mane’s Leadership Shines in AFCON Final Amid Controversy

Two-time AFCON-winning coach Hervé Renard has highlighted Sadio Mane as the pivotal figure in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, asserting that the forward’s leadership helped avert a potential sporting calamity. Senegal claimed their second continental title in four years with a victory over Morocco in Rabat, although the match was significantly overshadowed by contentious incidents during the closing moments of regulation time.

The drama unfolded when a controversial VAR decision awarded Morocco a penalty in stoppage time, prompting the Senegal team, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, to protest vehemently by leaving the pitch. This walk-off nearly led to the referee canceling the match and awarding Morocco the trophy by default. However, in the midst of the chaos, Mane chose to remain on the field.

In an interview with Le Parisien, Renard—who has previously managed both Morocco and the Ivory Coast—expressed admiration for Mane’s composure. “He never left the pitch,” Renard noted. “He didn’t react like a frustrated athlete but as a true leader. In many ways, he is the unsung hero of this final and this AFCON.”

The incident occurred deep into stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty, giving them a chance to clinch the match. While the majority of the Senegal team, outraged by the decision and a previous disallowed goal, followed their manager off the field, Mane remained steadfast, passionately urging his teammates to return and complete the match.

Renard believes that this moment exemplified the spirit of the tournament. Had Mane succumbed to the emotional impulses of his coach and teammates, the final would likely have ended in disgrace. Instead, his refusal to abandon the pitch kept the game alive.

“Not only was he instrumental on the pitch, but his influence off it was immense,” Renard elaborated. “He knew how to communicate effectively with each of his teammates. He commands unparalleled respect.”

Mane’s intervention was ultimately successful; after a 14-minute delay, the Senegal team returned to the field. Their comeback was justified when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty kick, allowing Senegal to regain their composure and secure victory in extra time with a strike from Pape Gueye.

Renard’s accolades for Mane extended beyond this singular incident. The respected French tactician contextualized Mane’s stature within both the sport and his homeland, highlighting that Mane operates on an entirely different level compared to his peers. “In Senegal, he is a god,” Renard asserted. “No other player approaches his status.”

While Mane has often been celebrated for his remarkable speed and goal-scoring prowess, this final has solidified his legacy through his character. The “heroic” label bestowed upon him by Renard underscores that Mane’s contribution to Senegal’s triumph stemmed from mental resilience rather than mere technical skill.

The victory in Morocco adds another illustrious chapter to Mane’s legacy. Having scored the decisive penalty to secure Senegal’s first title in 2022, he has now effectively steered the team away from the brink of forfeiture to clinch their second title. By preventing the walk-off, he ensured that the outcome was determined by the game itself. Nevertheless, Senegal may still face consequences as authorities have initiated an investigation into the events of Sunday.