Sadio Mané once again underlined his status as the ultimate leader of Senegalese football during the dramatic AFCON 2025 final against Morocco, played on Sunday, 18 January 2026 in Rabat.
Softfootball gathered that the turning point of the chaos came in the 90+7 minute, when the referee awarded a late penalty to Morocco during added time. The decision was immediately rejected by Senegal’s players and officials, who strongly felt the call was unjust, especially after believing a Senegal goal moments earlier had been wrongly disallowed.
As tensions boiled over, several Senegal players headed toward the tunnel, with the match on the verge of collapse. At that critical moment, Sadio Mané stepped in.
Who asked the Senegal players to return to the pitch and continue the final despite the refereeing controversy?
Sadio Mané.
Who is the true boss of bosses of the Senegal national team?
Sadio Mané.
Softfootball understands that Mané went as far as entering the dressing room to urge his teammates to return to the field and finish the match, insisting that Senegal should respond as champions, not abandon the game. His intervention calmed emotions, restored order, and allowed the final to continue.
Morocco eventually missed the disputed penalty, and Senegal went on to score the decisive extra-time goal, sealing a historic 1–0 victory and their second AFCON title.
Mané’s influence did not go unnoticed. During the trophy presentation, a powerful symbolic moment followed:
- Kalidou Koulibaly handed the AFCON trophy to Mané
- Idrissa Gana Gueye placed the captain’s armband on him
- Mané then lifted the title on behalf of the nation
It was widely seen as a tribute to a player who proved that leadership goes beyond wearing an armband. This act of composure, authority, and responsibility further strengthened Mané’s legacy and played a key role in him being recognised as the AFCON 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Many fans and analysts praised his behaviour as the defining moment of the final, describing it as a masterclass in leadership under extreme pressure.
Once again, Sadio Mané showed Africa and the world that true captains lead not just with goals, but with character, courage, and control when it matters most.
