Sadio Mane Says Winning AFCON With Senegal 'More Important' Than Trophies Won With Liverpool

Sadio Mane has said winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal was "more important" than the trophies he has won with Liverpool FC.

Mane scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Egypt in the final on Sunday after his spot-kick was saved as the game ended at 0-0 after extra time.

Senegal had lost two AFCON finals, including a heartbreaking defeat to Algeria three years ago. Mane was a part of the side that lost 1-0 in the 2019 final.

Mane had already won the Champions League with Liverpool when he lost the AFCON final in 2019. But the Senegalese forward had said he would trade his European title for an AFCON trophy with his country. Three years later, Mane played a crucial part in helping Senegal win their first-ever AFCON trophy and finished as the Player of the Tournament.

"It's the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life. I won the Champions League and some [other] trophies but this is the special one for me. This is more important for me. I am happy for myself, my people and all of my family," Mane said in an interview after Senegal's historic victory, BBC Sport reported.

Mane was gifted a chance to put Senegal in lead just four minutes after the kickoff against Egypt in the AFCON 2022 final. After Egypt defender Mohamed Abdelmonem brought down Senegal's Saliou Ciss, Senegal were given a penalty. However, Mane saw his attempt beaten away by Egypt keeper Gabaski.

The Liverpool star has credited his teammates for giving him the strength to return in the shootout, where he sealed a 4-2 triumph.

"When I missed the first penalty, it was a big blow for me. But my teammates came to me and said 'Sadio, we lose together and we win together. We know you. You have done too much for us - keep on going'. That made me stronger and I think it made the difference when I got the second one. All the boys came to me and said 'Sadio, we trust you' and that gave me more motivation. The trophy belongs to the whole Senegal team - everyone deserves it," added Mane in the same interview.

Mane posted a photo of himself in bed with the trophy and his winner's medal the morning after the final. The picture has gone viral on social media.

One of the vital members of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side, Mane, took little time to establish himself at Anfield. He has won four trophies with the Reds, including the club's maiden Premier League title.