Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has applauded Senegal striker Sadio Mane’s leadership qualities following the Lions of Teranga’s successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
Senegal played the hosts of the 2025 event, Morocco, in the final in Rabat on Sunday, a game that almost didn’t finish properly as Senegal protested one of the referee’s decisions by leaving the field in injury-time.
Mane, though, saved the day by calling his teammates who were already in the change room after the VAR-influenced decision, with Senegal returning to save the said spot-kick and going on to score in extra-time to lift the trophy.
Komphela said the former Liverpool forward had displayed calmness in his leadership throughout the tournament, and what he did to save the match is what sets him apart from the rest.
“It reminded me of a scenario in the semi-final when Senegal played against Egypt,” said Komphela on SABC TV.
“At the end of that match, everybody was so excited and all that Sadio Mane was gesturing was calmness, calmness, calmness.
“Even here, you’ll see this guy smiles when necessary. And it is so difficult when things are that bad, emotions are that high to stay rational and clear with your thoughts.”
“And I think the three minutes that he saved this team of his, his mission of his, is actually the three minutes that has made him a difference between an ordinary player, an ordinary captain, to an extraordinary person and a captain, great leadership.”