CAN 2025: "Senegal needs him" – Pape Thiaw responds to Sadio Mané's decision

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·15 January 2026

CAN 2025: "Senegal needs him" – Pape Thiaw responds to Sadio Mané's decision

Pape Thiaw and Senegal are not ready to lose Sadio Mané. The coach remains hopeful.

Pape Thiaw - Senegal

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Pape Thiaw responded on Wednesday, January 14, to the comments made by Sadio Mané, who announced that the 2025 AFCON final would be his last. The head coach of the Teranga Lions made a point of reminding everyone just how crucial the Al-Nassr player is to the national team and expressed hope that he could continue to rely on Mané.

Sadio Mané, the man who scored the decisive goal to send Senegal through to the Africa Cup of Nations final, revealed that this might be his last appearance in the competition, hinting at the end of his African adventure at this level. The Senegalese coach reacted just minutes after his star forward's media announcement.

"Sadio Mané said that Sunday’s final would be his last at AFCON? The only thing I know is that we need him, Senegal needs him. And I think he showed that again tonight against Egypt. Let’s hope we have many more years with him. Because a player like Sadio Mané doesn’t come around often. We need to make the most of it. I hope this won’t be his last final. Because, beyond this, there are other competitions ahead," said Pape Thiaw.

Pape Thiaw made it clear that beyond this AFCON final, other major challenges are looming for the reigning African champions. The coach specifically referenced the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will take place next June. Sadio Mané remains one of the pillars of this Senegalese squad, and coach Thiaw has consistently paid tribute to the 33-year-old in every outing during this tournament, where Mané has once again proved vital and decisive.