 final, calling attention to the events that unfolded in the dying moments of the match and stressing that African football deserves better.){kind=link}
Senegal star forward Sadio Mané spoke candidly after the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, calling attention to the events that unfolded in the dying moments of the match and stressing that African football deserves better.
The 2026 AFCON final, contested between Senegal and Morocco, became one of the tournament’s most intense and controversial matches.
In stoppage time, a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco triggered a moment of chaos as Senegal’s players, under the leadership of coach Pape Thiaw, briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
After tense negotiations and a pause of several minutes, the match resumed and Senegal ultimately secured a 1‑0 victory, thanks to a goal from midfielder Pape Gueye in extra time.
Speaking to the media following the match, Mané reflected on the incident and the decision-making process that followed, emphasizing the potential damage a full walk-off could have caused to African football’s image.
“It would have been really a shame and I think Africa today does not deserve that. To see this kind of scenario happen… imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the match stopped there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football,” he said.
He added that African football has grown tremendously and that the sport’s reputation is now closely observed on the global stage. “Africa today has evolved in an incredible way, and the proof is that it’s followed all over the world,” he stated.
The Senegal captain also explained his personal approach to the situation, emphasizing that he acted to protect the integrity of the game. “So on my side I did what I had to,” Mané said, framing his leadership as a balance between emotion, responsibility, and the broader interests of African football.
The match drew widespread attention not just for its on-field intensity but for the dramatic stoppage and walk-off, which became a focal point of discussion among fans, media, and football authorities worldwide.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, expressed frustration at the brief walk-off, calling it “an unfortunate moment” for African football. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, later expressed regret for the decision to leave the field temporarily, acknowledging it was an emotional reaction in the heat of a high-stakes match.
Despite the controversy, Senegal’s triumph marked the nation’s second AFCON title in three tournaments, further solidifying their position as one of the continent’s dominant footballing nations.