Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised Senegal star Sadio Mane for saving African football from absolute chaos and embarrassment in the final of the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that the Al Nassr forward had to intervene after Senegal stormed off the pitch in protest at the award of a penalty against them eight minutes into added time at the end of the AFCON final.
Though Diaz later squandered the resultant penalty kick and Pape Gueye struck the solitary winner in extra time to secure a second-ever AFCON crown for Senegal after a hugely controversial end to regular time, the majority agreed that the hero of the night was none other than Mane.
Reacting to the development, Ferdinand, via his podcast, stated that Mane showed great leadership by telling the players to return to the pitch.
“Everything was at risk, African football was at risk the moment the Senegal team went down that tunnel.
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“Whether they were right or wrong in their belief, thought they were being cheated or whatever. To walk off the pitch based on the decision that was made didn’t look right.
“Sadio Mane saved African Football, not just Senegalese football. He brought his team out of the tunnel and said ‘listen guys, win or lose, you have to come out and play. The game, African football demands it.
“The gods were on their side after that,, and then they managed to win the game. I like Sadio Mane, but what he did at the AFCON made me absolutely love him
“As a human and as a footballer. His actions on the pitch, knowing how difficult it was in the heat of the moment to remain calm and composed, did drag his team out again, knowing they could lose,
“That was real leadership, and that’s what real leaders do,” the 47-year-old said, lauding the former Liverpool winger.
1 Comment
One saved african football while the other almost tarnish it by shouting and almost beating up his teammate.(lookman)