Senegal Hopes Morocco Final Won’t Mark Mane’s AFCON Farewell

Senegal’s anticipation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco is tempered by uncertainty surrounding Sadio Mane’s future in the tournament. After scoring a decisive goal in the semifinal against Egypt, Mane announced he might not participate in future AFCON tournaments.

Sadio Mane’s AFCON Future in Question

Mane, 33, expressed his intention to exit international football following the World Cup set for North America in mid-2026. This could signify his departure from the AFCON as well, as the next tournament is slated for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, hopes the upcoming final will not serve as Mane’s last appearance in the competition. “His decision extends beyond just him,” Thiaw stated, emphasizing the desire of Senegalese fans for Mane to remain with the national squad.

Senegal’s Strong AFCON History

Senegal is competing in their third AFCON final in just four editions. They previously secured the title in 2022, where Mane played a pivotal role by scoring the winning penalty against Egypt. Before that, the team finished as runners-up to Algeria in the 2019 edition.

Concerns Before the Final

Despite the excitement, the Senegalese Football Federation raised serious security concerns regarding their arrival in Morocco. The team was based in Tangiers and reported inadequate security measures during their transit to Rabat, as well as issues with accommodation and training facilities.

Thiaw expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment his team received: “What happened yesterday was not normal. My players could have been in danger,” he insisted. These complications have added pressure on the squad as they prepare for the final.

Morocco’s Journey to the Final

Morocco is poised to capitalize on home advantage in their quest to claim the AFCON title for the first time in 50 years. The match will feature two of the top teams in Africa, with both sides holding high expectations for the outcome.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, acknowledged the importance of managing emotions during such a pivotal match. “The final is 50/50 but maybe it will be 51 percent in our favour with the crowd behind us,” he stated, reflecting on the added motivation from local support.

Key Players and Expectations

• Sadio Mane: Key player for Senegal with significant international experience.
• Walid Regragui: Coach of Morocco, emphasizing the weight of home advantage.
• Pape Thiaw: Senegal’s coach, advocating for Mane’s continuation in the national team.

The AFCON final promises to be a thrilling encounter that reflects the depth of talent in African football, showcasing the dedication of both Senegal and Morocco.