Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has expressed hope that Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final will not mark the end of Sadio Mane’s journey at the continental showpiece.
The Teranga Lions face hosts Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final, kicking off at 19:00 GMT, as Senegal chase a second title after their historic triumph in 2022.
Mane sparked debate about his future earlier this week after scoring the winning goal in Senegal’s semi-final victory over Egypt. Speaking after the match, the Al-Nassr forward suggested he would not feature at AFCON again.
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However, Thiaw insists the decision should not be rushed.
“I think he made that decision in the heat of the moment,” the Senegal coach said. “The country does not agree, and I, as coach of the national team, do not agree at all.”
According to Thiaw, Mane’s influence goes beyond personal choice.
“His decision is no longer only up to him. There is a whole people behind him who would like to see him continue. We want to keep him for as long as possible.”
Mane remains Senegal’s all-time leading scorer, with 52 goals in 123 international appearances, and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest players of his generation.
The next Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027, with dates yet to be confirmed. Mane will turn 35 in April next year, raising further questions about his international future.
For now, all eyes remain on Sunday’s final, where Senegal hope both to defend their continental pride and keep their talismanic star’s AFCON chapter open.