Afcon 2021: Mane sheds light on penalty-taking decision

Senegal forward Sadio Mane says his decision to be a penalty taker for Senegal paid off after he had retired from spot-kicks duties for the national team.

A stoppage-time Mane penalty handed the Teranga Lions three points in Monday’s Group B Afcon opener against Zimbabwe in Bafoussam.

The Liverpool star had previously resigned from taking penalties for Senegal but stepped up to take responsibility and it paid off this time.

“I said that I will leave the penalties for the good of the team and I think it was normal,” Mane said, according to Wiwsport.

“So I went back to my club and I worked very well afterwards.

“You never know with the penalties but in any case, what is certain, it is necessary to make the effort to reap the fruits and it has always been my case.”

Senegal are now tied on three points with fellow Group B contestants Guinea, who edged Malawi 1-0 on the same afternoon. Senegal and Guinea will face off next on Friday.