Al Nassr star and Senegal talisman Sadio Mane has now been slammed for the controversial comments he made during the recent international break.
During matchday three and four of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for CAF nations, the Lions of Teranga were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo before collecting three points with a narrow 1-0 win over Mauritania, helping Aliou Cisse's side maintain second place in Group B.
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While the Al Nassr star did not compete in those encounters as he was ruled out through injury, he was vocal about his side's performances.
After the points were shared with the Lions of Chinguetti, Mane stated that: "In my opinion, I think we need to review our system. We tried to play with more combinations but overall I would say it didn't work as it should. So to be formidable I think we must, as I said, review the system."
However, Senegalese Football Federation president Augustin Senghor has since responded to the former Liverpool star's comments, suggesting that the player should not have expressed his thoughts publicly.
"It is not in a microphone that I will give our entire position on this statement by Sadio Mane," he said, per wiwsport, via Afrik-Foot.
"If I really comment on this statement, I will agree with him on his mistake.
"However, as president of the federation, I think that he should not have spoken at that time.
"It would be a big mistake on my part if I did not say so. It is my duty to be frank.
"I admire and respect Sadio Mane a lot, and it is precisely for this reason that I must tell him that he was wrong, if he is wrong.
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"... The form and timing of this statement from Sadio Mane were not good.
"It is not negotiable to express oneself at this time, especially since the question was not even asked to him.
"To tell you, I was sent the video at 2am. When I watched it, I was very surprised. He deflected journalists' questions.
"The Sadio Mane we know must not change. I am not saying that he should not speak, but his speech must be rare, clear and at the right time."
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