Senegal to name stadium after AFCON hero, Sadio Mane

Even before the start of the African Cup of Nations, Sadio Mane had established himself as the biggest football export from Senegal in recent years.

His exploits with club side Liverpool in the domestic league and the UEFA Champions League earned him great support back home.

Despite a quiet start to the AFCON for the Teranga Lions generally, Aliou Cisse’s boys rallied to make the final and beat Egypt to secure Senegal’s first AFCON trophy.

Mane’s effort in that feat is summarized in his two penalties in the final. A miss in regulation time and a decisive strike to secure the title.

Back home in Senegal, the region he hails from Sedhiou is set to name a stadium after the Liverpool player.

Local media reports cite the mayor of the region as saying Mane brought pride to the nation but also his region hence the gesture.

Mayor Abdoulaye Diop at an event stated: “I would like, through this decision to give the name of Sadio Mane to the Sedhiou stadium, to translate the recognition of all worthy sons and daughters of the region.

“Sadio Mane honoured Senegal, Sedhiou and all of Casamance… Mane amply deserves this gift,” he added.

The playing and technical team were awarded 50 million CFA each (about US$87,000) at two plots of land in Dakar and Diamniado by the central government.

Mane, meanwhile, is back with his club Liverpool and could be handed a place in the team this weekend.