African stars are not only shining on the continent but all over the world too, and one individual rose as a giant among them with his performance on the weekend.
Sadio Mane's two-goal contribution on his 100th appearance for his home nation helped Senegal to a 4-0 win over South Sudan to kick-start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Read: Shocking scenes: Pitch invaders 'target' Salah in WCQ
With qualification for the next World Cup now underway, pressure will begin to mount on those players who carry the hopes of their country heavily on their shoulders. Every player is different – while the pressure may bring some to their knees, others thrive and lead their teams to greatness.
The former Liverpool forward proved an instrumental figure in the African champions' latest victory from the get-go on Saturday. His side started brightly, opening the scoring in the first minute, and Mane was right in the mix. He received the ball just inside of the opposition box before cutting inside and laying it off for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, who was waiting on the edge of the box.
Sarr then beat one player and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Majak Mawith, who could not get down quickly enough while the ball travelled through the sea of bodies in South Sudan's penalty area.
Just five minutes later, Mane threatened again and this time he got on to the scoresheet himself. He was in between South Sudan's two centre backs while his teammates executed some exquisite link-up play in the midfield that led to the forward coming face-to-face with Mawith.
Despite some tugging from an opposing defender in an attempt to hold the striker back from a scoring opportunity, Mane remained composed as he ran through on goal and put the ball past the keeper, who had managed to get a hand on it but one that was not strong enough.
The Al Nassr star went on to score his second of the game in the 56th minute after his dash from the left wing into the penalty area saw him get taken out by a South Sudan defender, resulting in a spot-kick being awarded. After winning it, the ex-Southampton star stepped up and converted it emphatically to secure the three points, marking the perfect start to Senegal's 2026 World Cup qualifying endeavours.
The 31-year-old was brought off in the 64th minute to mark a memorable 100th appearance for his country, after making his national team debut way back in 2012.
The encounter also saw him become the 10th African player to reach 40 international goals, following in the footsteps of fellow superstars such as Mohamed Salah (who has 55 goals for Egypt) and icons of yesteryear such as Roger Milla (43), Asamoah Gyan (51), Samuel Eto'o (56), and Didier Drogba (65).
The next challenge Mane and his side will face is that of Togo, who play host to the Lions of Teranga in another Group B encounter on Monday evening, but he will already have his mind on the next Africa Cup of Nations, which will kick off in January 2024, as well as the World Cup that will be played in the US, Mexico and Canada in three years' time.
Read: Nigeria remain winless in WC qualifiers, Bafana remain top
Earlier this month, he was speaking to CAF's official website when he revealed that although he and his side are once again eyeing continental glory, he believes Africa must turn its attention to winning the FIFA World Cup.
"In Africa, we have incredible talents; from now on, the continent's objective must be to win the World Cup," he stated.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: