How Sadio Mané convinced Senegal to return to pitch during AFCON 2025 final vs Morocco | OneFootball

What happened off-camera before Senegal returned to the pitch?

How Sadio Mané convinced Senegal to return to pitch during AFCON 2025 final vs Morocco

The echoes of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final are still ongoing as new details have emerged about why Senegal returned to the pitch after briefly withdrawing during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat.

Tense Moments in Rabat

Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title with 1-0 win over Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final but the match was marked by extreme tension late in normal time at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The drama unfolded after Senegal had potential goal disallowed in stoppage time. Moments later the referee awarded penalty to Morocco ,, a decision that triggered furious reactions from Senegal’s players and head coach Pape Thiaw.

In protest Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch briefly halting the final as protests erupted on and off the field.

Sadio Mane’s Key Intervention

As Senegal’s players headed toward the tunnel, Sadio Mane played decisive role behind the scenes. Television cameras captured Mane speaking on the touchline with Claude Le Roy, the veteran French coach and historic figure in African football.

Claude Le Roy later explained the exchange in comments to L’Équipe. He said Mane approached him during the stoppage and asked what he would do in such situation.

Le Roy’s answer was clear and direct, he advised Mane to bring his teammates back onto the pitch and resume the match.

According to Le Roy the conversation lasted only few seconds. Mane appeared hesitant at first as most players had already left the field but he turned back toward his teammates immediately afterward.

The Senegal captain’s intervention proved decisive as the players returned and allowed the final to continue.

Once play resumed, Morocco failed to take advantage of the penalty with Edouard Mendy saving Brahim Diaz’s spot kick. Senegal then regrouped and showed composure in extra time where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal to seal the title.

Despite the celebrations the walkoff incident remained major talking point after the final whistle. Le Roy admitted that the outcome could have been very different stating that if he had encouraged Mane to continue toward the dressing room, Senegal might have completed the withdrawal.