‘It’s over’ – Mane bows out of AFCON

Sadio Mané has announced his decision to retire from Africa Cup of Nations football after Senegal’s dramatic title win.

The Senegal captain confirmed that the just-ended AFCON will be his last appearance at the continental tournament, despite plans to remain available for the national team until the next World Cup.

“I am so happy, but as I have said, for me, as far as the AFCON is concerned, it’s over here,” Mané said. “I will stay with the team until the World Cup, but after that, it’s over.”

The statement came in the aftermath of Senegal’s tense 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a chaotic final in Rabat, a match dominated by VAR controversy, prolonged stoppages and raw emotion. For Mané, the triumph marked a perfect closing chapter to his AFCON journey, having now lifted the coveted trophy twice, in 2021 and again in 2025.

Senegal’s latest crown was secured under extraordinary circumstances. After a goalless 90 minutes, confusion erupted deep into stoppage time when VAR intervened to award Morocco a penalty for a shirt pull inside the box. The decision enraged Senegal’s bench, prompting head coach Pape Thiaw to order his players off the pitch in protest, with forfeiture briefly looming.

Earlier, Senegal had seen a potential winner ruled out when Ismaïla Sarr’s header was disallowed for a foul in the buildup, a call that stood without VAR review. The contrasting decisions fuelled anger among Senegal’s players and officials.

Amid the turmoil, Mané cut a solitary figure on the pitch, working to defuse tensions. Witnesses said the forward pleaded with referees and opponents while urging his teammates to return. After more than 15 minutes of stoppage, his intervention proved decisive as Senegal resumed the match.

When Morocco finally took the penalty, the momentum shifted dramatically. Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka, but Edouard Mendy anticipated the effort and caught the ball cleanly, sparking wild celebrations among Senegal’s players.

Extra time followed, and four minutes in, Senegal struck the decisive blow. Mané pounced on a loose touch and released Pape Gueye, who surged forward and hammered a shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

Morocco pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, with Nayef Aguerd and Youssef En-Nesyri both coming close, but Senegal held on to secure victory on a night defined as much by controversy as resilience.

Reflecting on his AFCON career, Mané described the achievement as deeply emotional. “Winning this trophy again, in this way, with these players, means everything,” he said. “I have given all I can at this competition.”

With two AFCON titles now to his name, Mané exits the tournament as one of Senegal’s greatest ever players, leaving behind a legacy built on leadership, sacrifice and decisive moments when they mattered most.