Sadio Mané’s leadership was hailed as decisive off the pitch as much as on it during a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final that saw Senegal edge past Morocco after extra time.

The Senegal captain stepped in during a tense moment late in the match when his teammates briefly walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Diaz. The stoppage, which lasted around 18 minutes, threatened to overshadow the final.

Mané intervened, urging his teammates to return to the field and allow the game to continue, a move that ultimately helped Senegal avoid potential sanctions and refocus on the task at hand.

Speaking to FRANCE24, former Cameroon striker and ex-AFCON winner Samuel Eto’o praised Mané’s conduct, describing it as vital in preserving the team’s image.

“Sadio Mané not only contributed to winning the tournament but also to saving the image of the national team,” Eto’o said. “Leaving the pitch would have had very serious consequences for Senegal.”

Eto’o, a former African Player of the Year, went further in his praise of the Senegal forward’s character and influence.

“Sadio is one of the greatest heroes of our continent. I send him special respect for his morals and leadership qualities. I am honoured to consider him a friend, and his role in leading his teammates to victory was exceptional,” he added.

“I hope he wins another African Footballer of the Year award because what he did, especially his behaviour, is the act of a great leader.”

The final was settled in extra time when Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, moments after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz saw his attempted panenka penalty saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

With the victory, Mané joined an elite group of African footballers to have won the Africa Cup of Nations twice, further cementing his legacy as one of the continent’s most influential players, not just for his talent, but for his leadership when it mattered most.