Legendary Cameroonian football icon Samuel Eto'o has showered praise on Sadio Mane for his decisive leadership during the chaotic closing stages of the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.
The final, played on Sunday, 18 January 2026, was thrown into controversy after a 907 minute penalty was awarded to Morocco, a decision that sparked outrage among Senegalese players and officials . In protest, members of the Senegal team began heading toward the dressing room, threatening to abandon the match.
Softfootball gathered, at that critical moment, it was Sadio Mane who intervened, urging his teammates to return to the pitch and continue the game, a move that ultimately preserved Senegal's participation and led to their 1-0 extra-time victory and second AFCON title .
