Sadio Mane speaks for the first time about his wedding, talks AFCON expectations

Sadio Man and Aisha Tamba|PULSE NG

Sadio Mane speaks for the first time about his wedding, talks AFCON expectations

Allan Damba • 14:15 - 10.01.2024

Mane and Senegal arrived in Cote d'Ivoire for AFCON on Tuesday night to finalise their preparations for the competition.

It has been an eventful past ten days for Al Nasser, Senegal and ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.

From unveiling a stadium in his native Bambali village to tying the knot with his partner Aisha, Mane has had a couple of days to remember.

Sadio Mane and his newly wedded wife Aisha Tamba | Instagram: @magvision_evens_officiel

"Honestly, I am happy [with] the fact the president has congratulated me just as much as, well, I would say not just my team-mates," he was quoted by Daily Mail on Tuesday.

"I think that all the people have congratulated me and wished me [luck], so I am happy, and I hope that it'll be okay."

The Africa Cup of Nations winner is now set to represent Senegal at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cote D'Ivoire.

Mane and Senegal arrived in Cote d'Ivoire for AFCON on Tuesday night to finalise their preparations for the competition.

Sadio Mane of Senegal | Credit: IMAGO

"We are also aware of all that awaits us,' the 31-year-old said ahead of the tournament."

They will open up their title defence against Gambia, a nation that is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, with that one kicking off on Monday in the political capital of Yamoussoukro.

Senegal captain Sadio Mane with the 2021 AFCON trophy | Imago
Senegal captain Sadio Mane with the 2021 AFCON trophy | Imago

Mane and Co then take on giants Cameroon on January 19 before another local derby with southern neighbours Guinea on January 23, with both clashes also in Yamoussoukro.

"We know that it will not be easy but what is certain is that we will get there, we will do everything we can and everything that is on our side to do you proud and especially the dream of everybody, that's to say, to retain the title and it's what we are going to try to do," Mane said.

Newly married Sadio Mane leads defending Champion Senegal to AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire wearing all white.

"Above all else, I think that the first match will be very decisive. After, as you said, it's big teams, Gambia and Guinea are derbies, also Cameroon who need no introduction, but we are also Senegal. We are going to try to do the maximum."

Tags: