Senegal coach hopes AFCON final not Mane’s last

As Senegal prepares for the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, head coach Aliou Cissé has voiced his hopes that the match won’t be Sadio Mane’s swan song in international football. The Lions of Teranga are set to face off against Egypt in a thrilling encounter on February 11, 2024, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Mane, who has been instrumental in Senegal’s journey to the final, is reportedly contemplating his future with the national team. Having already achieved significant success, including winning the AFCON title in 2022, the 31-year-old forward is considering stepping back from international duties to focus more on his club career with Bayern Munich.

Cissé’s Confidence in Mane

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final, Cissé expressed his admiration for Mane’s contributions and his desire to see him continue representing Senegal on the international stage.

“Sadio is not just a player for us; he is a leader and an inspiration to the entire team. We hope that this final is not the end of his journey with the national team,” Cissé stated.

Mane’s Impact on Senegal

Mane has been pivotal in Senegal’s recent successes, bringing a blend of skill, experience, and leadership that has helped elevate the national team to new heights. His presence in the squad has been a key factor in Senegal’s ability to compete with Africa’s elite footballing nations.

• African Player of the Year: Mane was awarded this prestigious title in 2019, recognizing his outstanding performances both for club and country.
• AFCON Success: Instrumental in Senegal’s first-ever AFCON triumph in 2022, Mane’s decisive penalty in the final against Egypt secured the historic victory.
• World Cup Heroics: Mane played a crucial role in Senegal’s qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16.

As the eagerly-awaited final approaches, fans and teammates alike hope that Mane will continue to shine on the international stage, ensuring that his legacy with Senegal remains as illustrious as ever.

Whether or not the AFCON final will be Mane’s last appearance for Senegal is yet to be seen, but Cissé and the entire nation remain hopeful that their talismanic forward will remain with the team for future campaigns.