Sadio Mane makes a huge claim ahead of AFCON

The Liverpool forward dreams of landing a first Africa Cup of Nations title for Senegal this year.

Senegal star Sadio Mane has said he would ‘trade’ all the trophies he’s won throughout his career for AFCON glory.

The 29-year-old was part of the West African nation’s run to a second AFCON final appearance in 2019. But like their heart-breaking defeat in the 2002 final, they lost. Algeria came away as 1-0 winners in Egypt, denying Aliou Cisse’s side a first continental title.

Mane has since gone on to claim a Premier League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup crown. It brings his haul of trophies at club level to a total of six. These include the Champions League with Liverpool and the Austrian Bundesliga at Red Bull Salzburg.

‘I would trade it all to win this one’

However, in an advert for New Balance, Mane revealed how much he values winning AFCON compared to his other titles.

“When I was a kid, they called me Ballonbuwa [ball wizard], but I was always more of a Gaynde [lion]: ruthless, explosive, a hunter,” said the Senegalese.

“I have been hunting my whole career, but no matter what I have caught – I am still hungry.

“My people have waited a long time. I would trade it all to win this one. This is my time. The Lion roars.”

Mane and Senegal begin their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on January 10 at the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam. Cisse’s men then face Guinea on January 14 and Malawi four days later in Group B.