Cameroon Football Federation President, Samuel Eto’o Fils has commended Senegal forward Sadio Mane for his instrumental role in Senegal’s latest triumph.
Senegal recently won the 2025 AFCON after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final with Mane winning the Player of the Tournament Award.
Mane was key in ensuring that Senegal didn’t follow through with boycotting the final as a way to protest their displeasure over a late penalty awarded to Morocco by ushering his teammates back on the pitch to see out the game.
Edouard Mendy saved the penalty kick effected by Brahim Diaz en route to Senegal winning their AFCON title. Speaking to France 24, Eto’o praised Sadio Mane by calling one of Africa’s greatest champions.
“Sadio Mane is one the greatest champions of our continent [Africa].”
“I have the privilege of having him as a friend and I truly say what he did to bring his teammates to the final victory was exceptional. The actions he took were those of a great leader” Eto’o said.
Mane was part of Senegal’s 2021 AFCON title winning group. He led celebrations in Dakar on the team’s return to Senegal after winning the 2025 AFCON; scroll down to watch the celebrations
🏆 🇸🇳 AFCON CHAMPIONS ARE HOME!
🌍 Dakar stood still. Voices rose as one.
🎶 🔊 “Sadio! Sadio!” echoed through the streets as Senegal welcomed their heroes in style.
🦁 🏅 More than silverware. More than a parade. 🚍🎺
🫶 Football is culture. Football is identity. pic.twitter.com/ej7ZOAmhxd
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) January 20, 2026
