"Sadio Mane has done many great things for Senegal and for Senegalese football, but what he did on Sunday evening, in what he confirmed would be his last Cup of Nations game, was perhaps greater than his winning goal in Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, greater than his penalty to win the World Cup qualifying play-off against Egypt in 2022, greater even than his decisive penalty in the 2021 final."
"When Senegal stormed off the pitch in protest at the award of a penalty against them eight minutes into injury-time at the end of the Cup of Nations final, African football faced a crisis. For this to happen at all was embarrassing, for it to happen in the final of the confederation's showpiece would have been a humiliation not least because many may have felt that Senegal had a point."
"In the 92nd minute, Senegal had a goal ruled out for innocuous contact between Abdoulaye Seck and Achraf Hakimi as they jumped for a header at the back post, the referee's whistle blowing before Ismaila Sarr had turned the ball over the line, meaning VAR could not intervene. Four minutes later, at the other end, VAR penalised El Hadji Malick Diouf for slight contact on Brahim Diaz as the two contested a corner. Senegal already felt aggrieved."
Sadio Mane produced a defining moment in what he confirmed would be his last Cup of Nations game. Senegal abandoned the final in protest after a penalty was awarded eight minutes into injury time, creating a crisis for African football. Controversial refereeing and VAR decisions had sparked anger, including a disallowed Senegal goal after a whistle and a later VAR-awarded penalty for slight contact. Senegal had already lodged formal complaints about perceived hostile treatment by the hosts, citing security, accommodation, training facilities and limited tickets for their fans.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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