Veteran French coach Claude Leroy, a renowned figure in African football, has revealed the details of a critical conversation he had with Senegalese star Sadio Mane during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The match, played against Morocco, was marred by controversy and dramatic events.
The AFCON final, hosted in Rabat, witnessed unprecedented tension when the Senegalese team threatened to abandon the match in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco in injury time. This followed the controversial disallowing of a goal for Senegal.
During the near quarter-hour delay, Leroy, often called the ‘White Wizard,’ was seen in a striking exchange with Mane, who remained on the field. In a post-match interview, Leroy, 77, explained the moment. ‘Sadio approached me and asked what I would do in his position. I simply replied, I would continue playing because the match isn’t over.’
Leroy, who coached Senegal from 1988 to 1992 and was present as a technical analyst, added, ‘I told him that withdrawing was not the answer and he should urge his teammates to return to the pitch.’
Mane heeded Leroy’s advice and successfully convinced his teammates to resume the game. Subsequently, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal ultimately secured victory in extra time with a goal by Pape Gueye, crowning the ‘Lions of Teranga’ as African champions.
Claude Leroy is a celebrated figure in African football, having previously led Cameroon to AFCON victory in 1988. He has coached several African national teams and left an indelible mark on the competition’s history.
Sadio Mane later confirmed that he had reservations about the withdrawal, emphasizing that continuing the game was the correct decision, respecting both the competition and the global audience. Leroy’s timely advice proved pivotal, altering the course of the final and directly contributing to Senegal’s AFCON title. His experience was instrumental in guiding Senegal to victory.
