Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament after leading Senegal to their second AFCON title. Beyond his goals, it was Mané’s leadership during a team walk-off protest that secured the 1–0 win over Morocco. Photo: Backpagepix Sadio Mané was the hero for Senegal once again in Morocco, but this time not because of a goal, a burst of pace or a moment of individual brilliance.
This was leadership in its purest form, delivered in chaos, when calm mattered most. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward claimed his second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday as Senegal edged hosts Morocco in a final drenched in controversy.Yet, the image that will endure has little to do with the final whistle or the trophy lift. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward claimed his second Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday as Senegal edged hosts Morocco in a final drenched in controversy.
Yet, the image that will endure has little to do with the final whistle or the trophy lift. It came deep into stoppage time, with the match threatening to spiral beyond football.In the 98th minute, Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Díaz in the box. It came deep into stoppage time, with the match threatening to spiral beyond football.
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In the 98th minute, Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Díaz in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, igniting fury among the Senegalese players and bench. Head coach Pape Thiaw, incensed, attempted to lead his team off the field in protest.
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