Senegal captain Sadio Mané has revealed that guidance from veteran coach Claude Le Roy was decisive in convincing the team to return to the pitch during tense moments of their AFCON 2025 final victory over Morocco.
Speaking after Senegal’s dramatic triumph against the host nation, Mané disclosed that emotions ran high following a controversial penalty decision in the 90th minute, with several players considering walking off the field in protest.
According to the Senegal skipper, he reached out to former national team coach Claude Le Roy for advice at the height of the tension.
“Everyone wanted to leave. I asked Claude Le Roy for his opinion, and he told me we had to play,” Mané said.
Mané further revealed that former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf reinforced the same message, urging the players to remain calm and shoulder responsibility despite their frustrations with the officiating.
The combined counsel from the two respected football figures helped Mané regroup the squad and restore focus.
“I told the guys: whatever happens, we have to take responsibility. We’re going to play,” he added.
Senegal eventually secured a 1–0 victory in extra time, after Brahim Díaz missed a late penalty that could have changed the outcome of the match.
The win capped a memorable AFCON campaign for the Teranga Lions and secured another continental crown for Senegal. However, the occasion may also mark the end of Mané’s AFCON journey, as the captain hinted that the 2025 tournament could be his last appearance on Africa’s biggest football stage.
