AFCON Trophy More Valuable Than Others won – Mané

Oviri Kelvin

The Senagal forward, Sadio Mane, has revealed that the AFCON trophy is the most remarkable diadem amongst the list he has ever won.

Mane who saw his early spot-kick saved by the Egyptian goalkeeper, Gabaski, agreed that the support from his teammates helped in boosting back his confidence in the game.

The Lions of Teranga had previously lost in two AFCON finals including the 1-0 loss to Algeria in 2019.

Significantly, the Liverpool forward likened the aura of winning the AFCON 2021 trophy to the best days of his life.

Speaking to the media, Mane said, “It is the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life.

According to the 29 years old Senegalese, despite winning major football trophies including the Champions League, the AFCON trophy is more important than others to him.

“I won the Champions League and some other trophies but this is the special one for me. This is more important for me.

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The elated Mane said he was happy for the people of Senegal and his family who have hoped of winning the trophy and the support they provided the team throughout the biennial continental tournament.

“I am happy for myself, my people, and all of my family.”

Mane, who gave a lot of credit to his teammates after he lost his first spot-kick conceded by Mohamed Abdelmonem against Saliou Ciss in the fourth minute said, “When I missed the first penalty, it was a big blow for me.

“But my teammates came to me and said ‘Sadio, we lose together and we win together. We know you. You have done too much for us – keep on going.

“That made me stronger and I think it made the difference when I got the second one.

“All the boys came to me and said ‘Sadio, we trust you’ and that gave me more motivation. The trophy belongs to the whole Senegal team – everyone deserves it,” he added.

After the game, Sadio Mane was named the player tournament.