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Topics: Senegal, Sadio Mane, Egypt, Liverpool, Africa Cup Of Nations
Josh Lawless
Topics: Senegal, Sadio Mane, Egypt, Liverpool, Africa Cup Of Nations
Liverpool star Sadio Mane is an absolute hero in Senegal and will be worshipped even more after scoring the penalty that secured them a first ever Africa Cup Of Nations title on Sunday.
Mane saw an early spot-kick saved by Egypt's impressive goalkeeper Gabaski but after the teams couldn't be separated in 120 minutes, he made amends in the penalty shoot-out.
After experiencing heartbreak in the 2019 final, the former Southampton man coolly dispatched a history-making penalty to spark some incredible scenes at the Paul Biya Stadium in Cameroon.
Mane will forever be remembered for his wonderful talents on the pitch, but he's also gone above and beyond with off the pitch work in his home country.
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The 29-year-old came from absolutely nothing and aged 16, with his parents not allowing him to leave school, Mane packed his stuff and ran away.
He was laughed at his football trials when he turned up in tattered boots and shorts.
But after winning the Champions League, Premier League and Africa Cup Of Nations, nobody is laughing now.
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In his village of Bambali in Senegal, Mane donated £200,000 to help finance a new secondary school so that the current generation of youngsters have opportunities.
He also paid for a hospital, mosque and sports stadium to be built and has been known to donate money to people who live there.
When the player's uncle, Sana Toure, presented the cheque, he read out a speech on behalf of Mane and said, "Education is very important. This is what will enable you to have a good career."
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When The Telegraph spoke to him about his act of charity in building a school, he requested it be left out of the interview - adding "I do not do this for publicity."
Even now, after all his success, Mane remains humble as ever. He's not too big to help take equipment off the team bus.
Two years ago, footage showed Mane happily helping kit staff out by picking up two crates of water while on Senegal duty.
In Liverpool, following a win over Leicester in September 2018, he was spotted cleaning the toilets of a local mosque.
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Mane also gifted 300 Liverpool shirts to his home village for the Champions League final that same year.
Prior to scoring the winner for Senegal in a 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau two years ago, Mane was reunited with his childhood friend Solo, who was now working the fixture as a police officer.
The two used to play football with one another growing up but hadn't crossed paths for 17 years. While catching up, Mane invited him to Anfield to see him play for Liverpool.
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You are told to never forget where you come from and Sadio Mane is a shining example.