Sadio Mane adjudged Man of AFCON 2025 as Senegal triumph

By: Bernard Nyankomago Kwasi

For his discipline, selfless and outstanding display of pure soccer artistry, Sadio Mane was crowned the overall Best Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Coach Papi Thiaw and his Terranga Lions of Senegal team exhibited great perseverance in the face of difficulty to beat host nations Morocco 1-0 in extra time to clinch their second AFCON title in history having won it for the first time in 2022.

The historic final was characterised with many unfortunate incidents which nearly marred the beauty of Africa Football in the presence of many dignitaries including CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

A last minute penalty was awarded against Senegal in regulation time by Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala from Congo.

Furious over the referee’s decision, Coach Papi Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch which brought the game to a halt for a couple of minutes.

It took the strong intervention of Sadio Mane and other football authorities before Senegal returned to the pitch for action to continue.

Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz poor kick from the spot was calmly saved by Senegal safest pair of hands Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye went ahead to score the match winner for Senegal in extra time to send his country into wild jubilation.

It was a derserving honour when CAF conferred on Sadio Mane as the Man of the tournament for his brave show.

Brahim Díaz was the top scorer of the tournament with five goals while Morocco’s Yassine Bono was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.