The Sadio Mane AFCON record was in the limelight as Senegal made the Africa Cup of Nations final on a slim semi-final victory over Egypt. Mane also made the winning goal that pushed Egypt by Mohamed Salah to the background and ensured that Senegal was in the final in 2025.
Mane is 33 and might not be playing in his physical prime, but his presence in Senegal is decisive on the largest African stage. His ambition underscored the reason as to why he is still depended upon in close knock out matches where experience and calmness is of the essence.
Another big personal achievement of the strike was that Mane made new history in the tournament that Opta recognised. He was the first ever participant in the history of the Opta records to score 20 goal contributions in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The contribution of those is in 11 goals and nine assists, since his debut at the AFCON in 2015. None of the contemporary players of the competition has been directly involved in more goals over the editions.
The most recent success of Senegal required the sacrifice of Mohamed Salah and Egypt, which is similar to the trend in recent major tournaments. Mane has now assisted Senegal in doing away with Egypt in several high profile knockouts, which strengthens an emerging rivalry between the two.
Following the game, Mane was not slow in admitting the quality of the opposing sides and their African football history. I give respect to Egypt, of course, and as I always told you, Egypt was the best team in Africa to me, he said.
He also emphasized the challenge of the match and the road that Senegal needed to pass to get to the final. Mane went on to say that they have shown it again today, facing these great players, and in particular, Mo Salah, who is one of the best players in the world.
The win brings Senegal to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations,s where they are to play Morocco. Morocco secured their spot in the final after they beat Nigeria in the other semi-final.
In Senegal, the Sadio Mane AFCON record is not just a personal award, but shows a long-term history of team performance in tournaments. Another chance now rests with the forward to increase his historic score in the last one and to add another piece of silverware to his international career.
