CAN 2025 final: Sadio Mané explains his decision to resume play

Fuming after the penalty awarded to Morocco on Sunday night in the CAN 2025 final, Senegal decided to leave the pitch. But thanks to Sadio Mané, they managed to return and resume the game. The Al Nassr star explains.

Senegal came close to abandoning the CAN 2025 final, heading to the dressing room at the request of coach Pape Thiaw. Meanwhile, after speaking with Claude Le Roy, Senegal captain Sadio Mané urged his teammates to get back on the field and continue the match. Speaking to the media, the Al Nassr forward explained his decision.

"The referee can make a mistake just like we do; it’s not our place to judge him. Above all, I did it for people all over the world—they wanted to watch the match. It would have been truly sad to see African football end like that, it would have been unacceptable. I just tried to do what was right for both countries. African football is developing in an incredible way, it’s being followed worldwide. This kind of message is not good for the game," said Sadio Mané.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.