🇸🇳⚽ AFCON 2025 Final: FIFA/Referees’ Words to Sadio Mané After Senegal vs Morocco

 

🇸🇳⚽ AFCON 2025 Final: FIFA/Referees’ Words to Sadio Mané After Senegal vs Morocco

In the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco on January 18, 2026, the match was officiated by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. CAF appointed him to handle the game after he also refereed the tournament opener. 

📌 What Happened in the Final

At the end of regulation time, Morocco were controversially awarded a late penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz — a decision that angered Senegal’s players and led them to briefly walk off the pitch in protest. 

Senegal captain Sadio Mané, however, stepped forward and persuaded his teammates to return to complete the match, a crucial moment that enabled the game to continue. Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, and Senegal won 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye. 

📣 What the Referees Told Mané

Newly released footage and reports show what the match officials said to Mané after the final whistle:

Fourth official Paul Abongile thanked Mané, saying he was “the only one who told the others to come back” to finish the game.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala praised his leadership, saying: “How did you do that? You’re a true leader!”

Even the VAR assistant Letticia Viana expressed gratitude, acknowledging Mané’s role in ensuring the match was completed. 

These comments underline how significant Mané’s intervention was in resolving one of the most controversial finishes in AFCON history.

🧠 Why It Matters

Mané’s actions were widely credited by both officials and commentators as a key moment in the final’s resolution, allowing Senegal to lift their second continental title while maintaining the integrity of the competition.