RismadarVoice Reporters
January 17, 2026
Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw has expressed hope that the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco will not mark Sadio Mane’s last appearance at the continental tournament, insisting the star forward should not consider stepping away from the national team.
Speaking to reporters in Rabat on Saturday, on the eve of the final against the host nation, Thiaw said Mane’s future with the national team goes beyond personal decision.
“His decision is no longer up to him alone. There is a whole people behind him who want to see him continue,” Thiaw said.
Mane, 33, had suggested after scoring the winning goal in Senegal’s semi-final victory over Egypt on Wednesday that he would not feature in another Africa Cup of Nations.
The comments fuelled speculation that the former Liverpool forward could retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The next Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
“I think he made that statement in the heat of the moment,” Thiaw added. “The country does not agree, and I, as national team coach, do not agree either. We want to keep him for as long as possible.”
Mane was instrumental in Senegal’s historic AFCON triumph in 2022, scoring the decisive penalty in the final shootout against Egypt. Sunday’s clash will be Senegal’s third AFCON final in four editions, having also lost the 2019 final to Algeria.
Defender Moussa Niakhate praised Mane’s influence both on and off the pitch, describing him as an exceptional footballer and an exemplary human being.
“He deserves the highest honours. He works hard, loves his country and has shown incredible consistency by playing in six AFCON tournaments,” Niakhate said.
