By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has firmly rejected Sadio Mané’s indication that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could be his final appearance at the tournament, insisting that neither the team nor the nation is ready to say goodbye.
Mané, 33, revealed earlier this week that Sunday’s AFCON final against hosts Morocco would be his last continental tournament, although he plans to remain available for selection until the 2026 World Cup.
The announcement has been met with widespread resistance in Senegal, particularly within the Teranga Lions’ camp, where Mané is regarded as an irreplaceable leader and symbol of national pride.
“Senegal does not agree”
Speaking during the final pre-match press conference in Rabat, Thiaw delivered an emotional appeal that drew applause from the audience.
We do not agree with this decision for this to be his last AFCON,” Thiaw said. “The people of Senegal do not agree, I do not agree, and even his teammates do not agree. We want him to continue with us.”
Thiaw described Mané as a global ambassador for African football, praising both his professionalism and sacrifice.
Mané is a great example. He represents not only Africa, but the world. He has defended these colours with pride — a player who risked his life on the pitch in 2022 to bring us an AFCON title.”
A legacy still in progress
While acknowledging Mané’s immense contribution to Senegalese football, Thiaw believes the forward still has a vital role to play.
If it means signing a document as head coach — which is my responsibility — just so that he stays, I will do it,” he added. “We don’t want him to stop now. We still need him.”
Should Mané ultimately bring his international career to a close after the 2026 World Cup, it would mark the end of a remarkable 14-year journey with the national team, during which he earned more than 125 caps and established himself as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
One more chapter to write
Mané has once again been instrumental in Senegal’s run to the final, scoring twice and providing three assists during the tournament. He also played a decisive role in Senegal’s historic 2022 AFCON triumph, converting the winning penalty against Egypt to secure the nation’s first continental title.
The Senegal captain has said that winning a second Africa Cup of Nations crown would be the greatest achievement of his career.
Sunday’s final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat now presents Mané with another opportunity to showcase his fighting spirit — and perhaps persuade a hopeful nation that his AFCON story is not yet over.
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