Senegal's Coach Pape Thiaw Hopes Mane Will Change Mind On AFCON Farewell, But Team Is Not Convinced.
Sadio Mane announced his intention to not play for Senegal again at the Africa Cup of Nations after Wednesday's semifinal win against Egypt, leaving many believing this could be his last game in the tournament. However, coach Pape Thiaw hopes that Mane will reconsider his decision, saying there is a whole nation behind him who would like to see him continue.
Thiaw expressed his disappointment at Mane's statement, claiming it came across as impulsive and that he doesn't agree with it. The Senegalese football federation also released a statement complaining about the team's experience in Morocco, citing concerns over security, hotel accommodations, ticket allocation for supporters, and access to training facilities.
The stage is set for an intense final against host nation Morocco on Sunday, who are looking to claim their first title in 50 years. However, they face a daunting task as Senegal will be the underdogs having won the tournament before in 2022, with Mane being instrumental in that victory.
Mane has long been regarded as one of Africa's best players and was awarded African player of the year twice. His departure from international football has left a void that no other player seems to fill. Despite his potential retirement from football, Thiaw remains hopeful that he will reconsider his decision, adding "his decision is no longer up to him" with the entire nation wanting him to continue.
The pressure on Morocco coach Walid Regragui's team is immense as they look to claim their first title in 50 years. However, Regragui says the final is just one game and that they are not putting too much pressure on themselves, citing the crowd's support as a key factor in their favor.
The stage is set for an intense battle between Senegal and Morocco with Senegal looking to prove themselves against the hosts, while Morocco aim to make history by claiming their first title.
Sadio Mane announced his intention to not play for Senegal again at the Africa Cup of Nations after Wednesday's semifinal win against Egypt, leaving many believing this could be his last game in the tournament. However, coach Pape Thiaw hopes that Mane will reconsider his decision, saying there is a whole nation behind him who would like to see him continue.
Thiaw expressed his disappointment at Mane's statement, claiming it came across as impulsive and that he doesn't agree with it. The Senegalese football federation also released a statement complaining about the team's experience in Morocco, citing concerns over security, hotel accommodations, ticket allocation for supporters, and access to training facilities.
The stage is set for an intense final against host nation Morocco on Sunday, who are looking to claim their first title in 50 years. However, they face a daunting task as Senegal will be the underdogs having won the tournament before in 2022, with Mane being instrumental in that victory.
Mane has long been regarded as one of Africa's best players and was awarded African player of the year twice. His departure from international football has left a void that no other player seems to fill. Despite his potential retirement from football, Thiaw remains hopeful that he will reconsider his decision, adding "his decision is no longer up to him" with the entire nation wanting him to continue.
The pressure on Morocco coach Walid Regragui's team is immense as they look to claim their first title in 50 years. However, Regragui says the final is just one game and that they are not putting too much pressure on themselves, citing the crowd's support as a key factor in their favor.
The stage is set for an intense battle between Senegal and Morocco with Senegal looking to prove themselves against the hosts, while Morocco aim to make history by claiming their first title.
OMG I'm soooo excited for this final!!! 
I mean Sadio Mane is literally a legend on the field & it's sad he might not be playing anymore 
but at the same time I love his passion & energy 
he's gonna make a difference no matter what happens 
Coach Thiaw is right tho, the whole nation wants him to keep going 
let's just hope Morocco brings their A game because Senegal is definitely gonna give them a run for their money 
like wat is goin on in his head? coach pape thiaw really hopes he changes his mind but tbh its hard 2 see him playin for senegal again when he didnt even finish the semifinal 
i mean mane has been such a key player 4 senegal's afcon wins esp back in 2022 
so lets see how morocco handles the pressure 
dey got a tough game ahead of dem against the underdogs
thiaw seems like a cool dude tho, hoping mane will change his mind 
the whole nation is behind him, that's what matters! and morocco's coach regragui is being super chill about the pressure, but we all know how intense finals can be 
. This final is gonna be so intense tho! Morocco's got the pressure on them, but if Senegal can just play their game, they've got a good shot at it 
. Meanwhile, Morocco is under all this pressure because they want that title so bad... reminds me of when the incumbent party tries to cling to power by any means necessary 
. The Senegalese federation is all like "security concerns" and stuff, but let's be real, it's just an excuse to deflect from the fact that their team isn't as strong as they thought 
. It's gonna be a tough final for Morocco, and I'm not sure even Regragui's experience will save them from Senegal's underdog spirit 
. It's all too convenient. I think we're gonna see a lot of drama in this final against Morocco 
, but sometimes things aren't what we want them to be 
. The pressure on him is huge, and it's not surprising that the team isn't convinced about his decision 
. But you can't blame him for wanting to do what's best for himself 
. Morocco are going to have a tough time, they need to step up their game if they want to win 
. and now senegal's gotta deal with the aftermath of him leaving - ticket probs, security issues... all that drama 
. morocco's got this afcon thing down to a science, they're not gonna get distracted by sadio's indecision 
& its not just about the tournament, its a whole nation wanting him 2 continue. Morocco is gonna bring the heat tho 
, they've never won it b4 & Senegal's got a tough act 2 follow (pun intended). What's with all these security concerns tho? 
. Morocco's gotta be shakin' in their boots tho, this one's gonna be a battle for the ages 
, so it's cool that they're gonna have his back... or at least try to 
He's been through so much in his football career and to see him giving it his all for Senegal is truly inspiring 
. They can't replicate what he brings to the team, it's like trying to find a new sun in the sky 
. If they want to win, they need him back 
️.
. I mean, I get why he wants to prioritize his club team and personal life, but it feels like such a bummer considering how instrumental he was in Senegal's 2022 win 
.
, but the team doesn't seem too convinced 
. They're like, super hungry for this title and it'll be a tough test for Senegal.
. And let's be real, Senegal's got some unfinished business with Morocco 
. This final is gonna be EPIC 
. One thing for sure, though - Morocco's gotta bring their A-game if they wanna take on the likes of Mane 