'He's their talisman' - Okocha admits Mane being cleared to play is a boost for Senegal

Published: January 30, 2022

Tournament favourites Senegal will take on dark horses Equatorial Guinea in the last of the quarterfinal clashes of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening.

The big story emanating ahead of that encounter is Sadio Mane has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion scare during their round of 16 win versus Cape Verde five days ago.

Mane had been doubtful for the match after he was taken to hospital as a precaution after a clash of heads with the Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.

Nigeria legend Austin Okocha has highlighted that the Liverpool winger making Senegal's squad for the crucial game against the Nzalang Nacional would be a big boost to the Lions of Teranga.

The 29-year-old has been Senegal's most influential player at the Africa Cup of Nations so far, scoring two of their three goals.

Speaking on SuperSport, Okocha said : "Sadio Mane is a tough nut to crack, I was surprised that he regained consciousness immediately after that clash.

"Of course his presence is needed in this Senegalese side because he is their talisman and he's been leading the team as well in this tournament .

"But like we said no team is a pushover, you have to earn the right to win your matches, you have to do your job and you must understand that.''

Excluding own goals, Mane has scored 44% of Senegal’s goals at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2017.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com