Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed Senegal captain Sadio Mané for restoring order during the chaotic AFCON 2025 final against Morocco, after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over controversial refereeing decisions.
The final descended into confusion following several disputed calls by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo. Senegal had an earlier goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up, a decision that prevented a VAR review and left the players feeling unfairly treated.
Tempers flared again late in the match when Malick Diouf was penalised for holding Brahim Diaz during a Moroccan corner. Although play initially continued, VAR was later consulted and a penalty was awarded to Morocco, triggering outrage from the Senegalese camp.
Furious players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest. Mané, however, stayed behind, urging his teammates to return and finish the game.
Speaking on the Rio Presents Podcast, Ferdinand said he had never witnessed such scenes in a final of that magnitude. He warned that African football itself was at risk the moment Senegal left the field, regardless of whether their grievances were justified.
Ferdinand credited Mané with showing true leadership by convincing his teammates to come back and play on, describing the Liverpool star’s actions as a moment that “saved African football.” He added that Mané’s calm under pressure and willingness to put the game above emotion made him admire the forward even more, both as a player and as a person.
While praising Mané, Ferdinand criticised what he called unsporting behaviour by the hosts, including allegations that ball boys withheld towels to prevent goalkeepers from drying their hands. He described the actions as unacceptable and called for explanations from the Moroccan Football Federation.
Following the controversy, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the incidents at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, describing the scenes as unacceptable and promising appropriate action.