However, the Chelsea goalie claimed that his “brother” should have been sent off just hours before, so it may have been an awkward flight.
The two 29-year-old Senegalese footballers left London on Sunday night for Cameroon, where they will join their national squad in the postponed continental competition.
Mane, on the other hand, made headlines in the afternoon after avoiding a red card barely SIX SECONDS into Liverpool’s match at Stamford Bridge.
The attacker used an elbow to strike Cesar Azpilicueta when they were ready for a long ball.
However, referee Anthony Taylor issued him a yellow card.
Azpilicueta was unhappy at the end of the game and had a black eye, so he called the challenge a “clear red.”
Chelsea’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, said that VAR did not even review the ruling. Mendy, Mane’s national teammate and friend, fought to hold him back.
“Sadio is my brother and a fellow countryman,” the goalie told RMC Sports. However, he should not have stayed on the field for an additional minute.
Worse, Mane scored the opening goal of the thrilling match eight minutes in.
Trevoh Chalobah pounced on Mendy’s blunder, sending the ball around him and into the goal.
Following that, Mo Salah scored past Senegal’s top scorer to make it 2-0, but Christian Pulisic and Mateo Kovacic tied the game before the break. Malawi, Zimbabwe, Guinea, and Senegal comprise Group B, with Mane and Mendy leading the way.GOAL Africa on X: “#thechampionisback.” “Happy to be back” @sadiomaneofficiel Sadio Mane is back in Liverpool. #AfricanChampion, #EPL https://t.co/4s9twx3a6M” / X
They will play their first AFCON match against Zimbabwe on January 10 at the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam.Sadio Mane Lifestyle | Sadio Mane Family, Girlfriend, Home, and Car Collection | Lifestyle Today – YouTube