"It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen, Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that. African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world."
"So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy not to play this game because, what, the referee gave a penalty, and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I'd rather lose than have this kind of thing happen to our football."
Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco descended into chaos after a late penalty award prompted coach Pape Thiaw to lead a walk-off. Captain Sadio Mane encouraged his teammates to return and play resumed after a 15-minute stoppage. Brahim Diaz's Panenka was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye scored a stunning extra-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory and Senegal's second AFCON title. Mane framed match abandonment as damaging to African football's image and emphasized that African football has evolved and is followed worldwide, preferring to play on rather than stop the game.
Read at Soccer News
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