Sadio Mane is the captain of Senegal
Senegal international, Sadio Mane is set to bow out of the Africa Cup of Nations as he gears up for his final continental tournament.
Mane, who now plays for Al Nassr, emerged as the hero as the Lions of Teranga triumphed over Egypt in the semi-final on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026.
After a pulsating goalless first half, the former Liverpool star stepped up to score the decisive goal, sending Senegal through to the final.
Speaking to RTS after the match, Mane, who secured the Man-of-the-Match award, confirmed that he will play his last Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Sadio Mané breaks Egypt’s hearts again to send Senegal into the 2025 AFCON final
“I will be happy to play my last final in the Africa Cup of Nations. I hope we win it and take the trophy to Dakar,” he said.
In the high-stakes clash on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Senegal will face hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium.
While Mane is bowing out of the AFCON, the former Bayern Munich star could also end his career with the Taranga Lions after the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Mane previously won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, marking the first continental title in the country’s history.
Senegal have now reached the AFCON final for the fourth time, having previously contested the 2002 final (losing to Cameroon on penalties) and the 2019 final (losing 1-0 to Algeria), in addition to their 2021 triumph over Egypt on penalties.
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