Senegal coach: “We gave the captain’s armband to Sadio Mané so he could lift the trophy”

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw expressed his delight after guiding the Teranga Lions to the Africa Cup of Nations title at the expense of hosts Morocco, while also revealing a decision to make Sadio Mane left the AFCON trophy despite not being the first Captain.

Senegal edged past Morocco with a 1–0 victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final, securing their second continental crown and adding a second star to their shirt.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Thiaw opened his remarks by saying:
“Of course, we are very happy to win the Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco against the host nation. Morocco are a very good and strong team, and we faced many difficulties against them.”

The Senegal coach was keen to acknowledge the hosts, adding:
“We must congratulate Morocco for the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Thiaw continued:
“We were focused, and our objectives in the tournament were clear. Every match was a mission for us. We reached the final and managed to win, so congratulations to Senegal. We have a football federation that never stops developing.”

He concluded by explaining his decision regarding the trophy ceremony:
“Yes, we gave the captain’s armband to Sadio Mané while lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. We spoke about many things among ourselves, and I preferred to give him the armband so he could lift the trophy high.”