Senegal head into Friday’s quarter-final against Mali at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with confidence, momentum and growing belief.
The Teranga Lions cruised through the group stage before overcoming Sudan in the Round of 16, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.
At the heart of that run has been Sadio Mané, whose experience and calm leadership as a senior player of the squad continue to shape Senegal’s approach in high-pressure moments.
As the knockout phase intensifies, Mané insists that mindset, unity and focus matter more than reputation or expectations.
Ahead of the all–West African quarter-final in Tangier, the Senegal striker reflects on pressure, preparation and what wearing the national shirt truly means.
Mane also delivers messages to Senegalese supporters and African youth watching across the continent and beyond in a Q&A below:
CAFOnline.com : As one of the most experienced players in the squad, how do you approach your leadership role in a high-pressure knockout match like this one against Mali?
Sadio Mané : Pressure is part of football, especially at AFCON. This is my sixth tournament, so I have enough experience to deal with these moments. I try to stay calm because putting pressure on yourself never helps. It’s important to show character, especially for the younger players. If they see you relaxed, focused and ready from the start, they follow. That is my role — to lead as a senior by example, in training and during the game.
How does your experience help you guide younger players in decisive moments like this?
We have many experienced players in this team — the captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, Edouard Mendy and others. We talk a lot among ourselves and then pass the message to the younger players. Before every game, we sit together, discuss the match and the approach, then share that with the coach. After that, we make sure the young players understand what is required. So far, this method has worked very well for us.
Senegal are among the favourites at AFCON. How does the team handle expectations while staying focused on Mali?
At AFCON, there are always favourites, and we are one of them. But I always remind the boys to stay calm because this tournament is not always won by the best team. We have learned that from experience. In 2021, we didn’t play great in the group stage, but we won the trophy. Today, the most important thing is to win the game — it doesn’t matter how.
What has been the key mental strength of this Senegal team during AFCON 2025?
Mindset is everything. At this stage, nothing surprises me anymore. Anything can happen. That’s why focus has to be at the highest level. Whatever happens in the game, you must stay together and keep going. This stage is decisive, and mental strength will make the difference.
Mali are known for their physicality and discipline. What kind of challenge do you expect?
Mali are one of the best teams in this tournament so far. They are strong, disciplined and very well organised. It will be a big battle. These are the games we dream of playing as footballers. We respect them a lot, and we know it will take a strong collective performance to win.
Senegal have shown strong unity throughout the tournament. How important is team spirit at this stage?
Unity is our biggest strength. We are honest with each other and we always tell the truth within the group. Without unity, you cannot achieve your dreams. The younger players are disciplined, they listen, and they follow the example set by the senior players. That balance makes this group special.
What personally motivates you most when wearing the Senegal shirt?
There is no shirt I am prouder to wear than Senegal’s. This badge means everything to me. I play with one mindset: when my career ends, I don’t want to have any regrets about what I gave to my country. That’s why I always try to give my best. Playing for Senegal is a mission, not just football.
What message do you have for Senegalese fans ahead of this quarter-final?
I want to thank them for their incredible support. They believe in us, and that gives us strength. I ask them to keep believing. We know why we are here, and inshallah, this can be our year. We will do everything possible to make them proud.
Winning another AFCON — what would that mean for your legacy and for inspiring young players?
Winning with Senegal is the greatest achievement of my career. Nothing compares to success with your country. If we can do it again, it would mean everything — for me and for the people. It also sends a message to the youth: believe, work hard and never stop. That is the mentality of a champion.
You are admired across Africa for your humility. What message do you have for African youth?
I don’t want to be remembered only as a footballer, but as a good human being. There are many things more important than football. Be yourself, be honest, and show respect. Young people are watching, and your behaviour matters. If you can be a great person first, everything else will follow.
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