Senegal aim to give Sadio Mané a fitting Africa Cup send-off | OneFootball

Senegal hope to give Sadio Mané a fitting Africa Cup send-off when they meet Morocco in Sunday’s final. Team-mates and elders speak of a leader who has carried them and inspired a generation.

At 33, Mané broke Egypt’s resistance in the semi-finals, a 1-0 win. He has said he will step away after the World Cup, making this his last match in the tournament, according to L'Équipe.

Former coach Alain Giresse quickly rated him essential, describing enormous talent in a still raw youngster. He recalls a respectful, steely character who shuns grandstanding, more quiet influence than rallying cry, and once predicted he would be African Ballon d’Or.

Academy founder Mady Touré says a gardener first flagged Mané from neighbourhood tournaments, and a father-son bond followed. He cites relentless work, from home gyms and recovery rooms in Liverpool to enduring criticism in Senegal that has since faded.

El-Hadji Diouf speaks of a big-brother bond with his self-confessed admirer. He lauds Mané’s progress from a humble start, overcoming language barriers and limited schooling, remaining disarmingly simple with team-mates, and intent on making people happy.

Moussa Niakhaté credits Mané for helping his own call-up before the 2022 World Cup, and hails his humility, work and sixth AFCON as proof of longevity. He says the squad want to bring him a second star, while current coach Pape Thiaw argues the nation hopes he will not stop yet. Thiaw calls him an example who gave everything for Senegal’s first star.

Source: L'Équipe