Senegal urges Mané to continue: “He represents Africa and the world”

Mané has scored two goals and provided three assists in North Africa this winter, including the key goal in their semifinal victory over Egypt midweek. The 33-year-old forward scored in the final minutes of a tight 1-0 win, ending Mohamed Salah’s hopes of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in his career.

“I pay tribute to Egypt, of course, and as I have always said, Egypt is, for me, the best team in Africa. Today they showed it once again. Wow. What a team. It wasn’t easy for us, and we expected that because it’s the Africa Cup and we’re traveling, but we stayed patient, facing these great players, especially Mo Salah, one of the best players in the world.”

"Of course, he always gives his best for his team; unfortunately, today wasn’t his day either. I just want to say that this is part of football.”

Sunday’s final against Morocco is expected to be Mané’s last match for Senegal, as he had previously suggested he would hang up his boots after the tournament.

“We know how to play a final. A final is meant to be won. I will be very happy to play my last AFCON final, enjoy it, and help my country win,” Mané added during the week.

“The country does not agree [with his decision], and I do not agree. We want to keep him for as long as possible. He represents Africa, the world, and when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t belong to him alone; he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him continue.”

“Considering his example, we need people like him in the country. He gives lessons—his humility, his education, how he gives his sweat for Senegal. He gave his life for this team to reach the 2022 World Cup; he gave his life to win the first AFCON and earn the first star.

“If I had to sign a paper to allow this player to leave, I would say ‘no,’ and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”

Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye agreed with Thiaw, adding: 'We are going to try to keep him with us a little longer, because he still has great years ahead of him. I heard what he said and we will see what he decides to do. But we really want him to stay with us for many more years.

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