Sadio Mane Explains Why He Refused to Walk Off the Pitch With Senegal Teammates

Sadio Mane has explained why he stayed on the pitch while his Senegal teammates walked off during a chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

On Sunday night, Senegal won their second AFCON title after beating host nation Morocco 1-0 in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Villarreal midfielder Pape Alassane Gueye was the hero as he netted in the 94th minute to seal the deal.

However, before Gueye's winner during the extra time period, there was a chaotic ending to regulation time.

A penalty was awarded to Morocco after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was instructed to review a challenge on Brahim Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Disagreeing with the decision, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw sensationally instructed his players to walk off the pitch and return to the dressing room.

After a delay of more than 15 minutes, Mane appeared to persuade his teammates to return.

Diaz then stepped up to take the penalty and decided to attempt a cheeky Panenka, which backfired as the ball was easily caught by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

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Brahim Diaz's penalty was easily saved by Edouard Mendy. Image: Getty

During the lengthy delay, Mane remained on the pitch as his Senegal teammates returned to the dressing room.

Speaking after the match, the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star explained his decision.

As per the BBC, Mane said: "Football is something special, the world was watching, so we have to give a good image for football.

"I think it would be crazy to not 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 this kind of thing happen to our football."

Senegal are the champions of Africa. Image: Getty

He continued: "I think it's really bad. Football should not stop for 10 minutes but what can we do? We have to accept what we did but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened happened."

Meanwhile, Senegal boss Thiaw apologised for the situation.

He said: "I don't want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] - you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee.

"We shouldn't have done it but it's done and now we present our apologies to football."