A Grand Mural for Mane as AFCON Final Lights Up Dakar
18 January 2026
Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Final
Hours before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, fans of the Lions of Teranga unveiled a special tribute to Sadio Mane, praising his leadership in steering the team to a continental final for the third time in four editions of the CAN.
A group of youths in the Kyour Massar district, east of Dakar, honored Mane with a large symbolic mural, naming it after the Saudi club's current star and Liverpool great.
A Senegalese outlet described the gesture as an effort to celebrate a prominent figure in Senegalese football while boosting national pride during a delicate moment as the team prepares to face Morocco in the final today.
The mural, painted by members of the Entente club, reflects the gratitude toward Mane, who has become a symbol of inspiration and sporting success for many fans.
Mane led Senegal to the final by scoring the decisive goal against Egypt in the semi final, and the team now aims for a second title after their 2021 triumph. Morocco, led by Achraf Hakimi, hopes to win their second crown since 1976.
A fan poll asks if Mohamed Salah can bring the AFCON trophy to Egypt.
In the buildup, Mane's story and the mural have become a talking point ahead of Sunday’s final, offering a glimpse of Dakar as fans rally behind their hero.
Punchline 1: If Mane wins, the mural might need a trophy case upgrade.
Punchline 2: If you think football is just 22 players, wait until you see wall art negotiate a corner kick.
