Sadio Mane steps down from penalty duties

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jul 09, 2019. 09:15

Sadio Mane has declared that he will step down from penalty-taking duties for Senegal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool star has scored three goals at the ongoing tournament and helped the Teranga Lions reach the quarterfinals.

However, he has twice missed from the spot, seeing efforts from 12 yards saved by Kenya’s Patrick Matasi in the group stage and Uganda’s Denis Onyango in the last 16.

Though Mane did convert a penalty in a 3-0 win over Kenya, he has taken the decision to pass on the responsibility.

“It's a momentary withdrawal,” Mane said. “I have missed penalties in both games and must admit it is not a good ratio.

“I do not want to penalise my team and, at least for the time being, I'm going to stand aside for the penalties and let other teammates get on with it.

“When I return to my club, I will continue to work hard to improve this aspect.”

The forward has made the decision despite receiving the backing of his coach Aliou Cisse following the win over Uganda.

“We trust Sadio Mane much and he was one of the reasons we qualified today. He will remain number one for penalties,” Cisse told CAF’s official website.

Senegal will face Benin in their quarterfinal clash in Cairo on Wednesday evening.