AFCON 2021: Okocha hails Senegal's hero Mane for risking his life

Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has stated that Senegal star Sadio Mane risked his life to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mane was the hero for Senegal scoring the winning penalty as the Teranga Lions recorded a 4-2 victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt in the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 29-year-old missed a penalty in normal time but bounced back to score the winning spot-kick to win Senegal their first AFCON title.

 Okocha who is an analyst on the AFCON has stated that Mane risked his life to take the winning penalty.

According to Okocha, Mane took a huge risk after his previous failure from the spot.

Okocha emphasized that fans in Africa are passionate about their teams and the repercussion from a possible miss could have cost Mane his life.

During a SuperSport broadcast, Okocha said, "It's not every player that can step up again to go and take that penalty," 

"Because you know in Africa how hostile our fans are. By doing so, he was risking his life, risking his family’s life, even your home, you know?

"But that's what he's born to do. He's born to play football, and whatever comes with it, he's willing to accept it."

Mane did not crack under pressure and bounced back to win the title of Senegal.

It was the first triumph for Senegal and Mane will forever be remembered for scoring the winning penalty.