Liverpool stars react to Sadio Mane’s AFCON win as one-word message sent

Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane played a key role as Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations final and several Reds players have sent their support following the victory

Multiple Liverpool stars have rallied behind club icon Sadio Mane after his nation’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final victory. The ex-Reds striker was instrumental as Senegal clinched a thrilling 1-0 win after extra-time against Morocco in a contentious showpiece.

The 33-year-old, now plying his trade with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, contributed five goals and assists combined during the competition – netting twice and providing three assists whilst appearing in every fixture as Senegal captured AFCON honours for just the second occasion in their nation’s story.

Mane celebrated the triumph on Instagram, posting multiple images commemorating the extraordinary accomplishment with the message: “Alhamdoulilah. Thanks everyone,” accompanied by a love heart and prayer emojis.

The upload garnered approval from Curtis Jones, Virgil van Dijk and Harvey Elliott, whilst Andy Robertson left the comment: “Legend.”

Former Reds midfielder Fabinho also responded, writing: “The best.”

Sunday’s decider in Rabat sparked uproar when the home side were granted a spot-kick during the eighth minute of added time, mere moments after Senegal had what appeared a valid strike disallowed with the encounter still deadlocked.

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw pulled his squad from the field, with action only restarting roughly 16 minutes later once Mane – who had initially stayed put before eventually making his way to the changing rooms – convinced his teammates to come back and see out the game.

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz had the opportunity to win the tournament for Morocco, but his cheeky Panenka spot-kick was thwarted by keeper Edouard Mendy. Mane’s country then secured their second AFCON crown courtesy of a strike from Pape Gueye.

Regardless of the mayhem, Mane had displayed his brilliance throughout the championship.

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The winger insists his international career isn’t over just yet, revealing he plans to feature at this summer’s World Cup before calling time on his national team duties.

Mane said: “I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup, and then I will retire from international football.

“The Saudi league is very competitive and very strong, people need to know that. It is one of the best leagues in the world.”