Koulibaly: "Mané Should Have Lifted the Trophy Because He Carried the Entire Team on His Shoulders"
19 January 2026at09:35
Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly spoke about the moment he handed the captain's armband to his compatriot Sadio Mané to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, following their 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In a televised statement, Koulibaly said: "I dreamt of this many times, that we would win this trophy, and I believe Sadio Mané should lift the trophy, because I won the first one."
He continued: "Today, I believe he is the one who should lift the trophy, because he carried the entire team on his shoulders and gave everything for his country. He is the one who should have lifted the trophy alone because he is the true leader, and I am very happy for him."
Q&A
Why did Kalidou Koulibaly want Sadio Mané to lift the AFCON trophy?
Koulibaly insisted Mané lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, stating Mané "carried the entire team" and was the "true leader" for Senegal, a gesture detailed in his televised statement.
What was the result of the Africa Cup of Nations final mentioned by Koulibaly?
Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a win that prompted Koulibaly's gesture.
