Ferdinand Applauds Mane’s Leadership After Turbulent AFCON Final

Former defender Rio Ferdinand has praised Sadio Mane for leadership during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, saying the Senegal captain “saved African football” after controversy threatened to derail the match against Morocco.

The final descended into disorder after a Senegal goal was ruled out by referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo for a foul in the build-up. Tensions rose when Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz went down under pressure from Malick Diouf after a VAR review.

Angry at the decisions, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch. Mane, however, stayed behind and persuaded his teammates to return.

Speaking on his “Rio Presents” podcast, Ferdinand said he had “never seen anything like this” and warned that “African football was at risk”… adding Mane told his teammates, “win or lose, you have to come out and play”…

CAF later condemned the disruption and opened an investigation.