Sadio Mane has revealed what he said to console his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah after Senegal defeated Egypt to win the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sadio Mane netted the winning penalty in the final shootout to claim his nation’s first ever AFCON title.
Mane consoled his Liverpool teammate Salah shortly after the AFCON final
Salah and Mane clearly share a special relationship
Salah was visibly upset at the end of the gruelling encounter and Mane appeared to whisper something to console him at the end of the encounter.
Mane has now revealed he told Salah about his respect for his Liverpool forward partner in a touching statement to his Anfield pal.
“I told him that he remains a very great player and it’s a pleasure to play for the same club,” Mane said to beIN SPORTS via Metro.
“I have so much respect for him and he gave everything for his country.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t win, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for him.
“I also told him that he still has many things to win, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. They have a young team so maybe they will win it one day.”
Senegalese people celebrated wildly following their nation’s return
Mane and co returned from their historic victory on Monday
It’s safe to say they partied hard
Senegal celebrations were in full flow after the final whistle, but the party really started when the players returned to their homeland with the trophy.
Hundreds of thousands of fans littered the streets of Dakar to celebrate their historic triumph.
And Senegal coach Aliou Cisse dedicated their first Africa Cup of Nations triumph to the country’s people after a nail-biting final victory over the seven-time winners.
Head coach Cisse, who missed in a shoot-out as Senegal lost the 2002 final to Cameroon, said at his post-match press conference: “I am African champion. It was long, it was difficult, sometimes complicated, but we never gave up.
“I dedicate this victory to the Senegalese people. For years, we have been chasing this cup. Today we will be able to put a star on our jersey.
“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon has a special meaning. Winning against the most successful team in Africa is another symbol.”
Credit to: talksport.com
