Former Nigerian midfielder, Austine Jay Jay Okocha has said that Senegal striker, Sadio Mane took a huge risk by stepping up again to play the last penalty kick for his side during the Africa Cup of Nations final clash with Egypt on Sunday.
The Liverpool attacker squandered the chance to put Teranga Lions into the lead when his seventh-minute penalty was saved by Egypt goalkeeper, Gabaski.
The game ended 0-0 after 120 minutes, including 30 minutes extra time and after the Pharaohs had missed two of their kicks, Mane summoned the courage to step forward and fired in the winner for the West Africans.
Jay Jay Okocha, who was once the captain of the Super Eagles and winner of the 1994 edition of the tournament, felt it was a huge risk for the Liverpool star.
“It’s not every player that can step up again to go and take that penalty,” Okocha, who worked as a pundit with Supersports through the tournament, said.
“Because you know in Africa how hostile our fans are. By doing so, he was risking his life, risking his family’s life, even your home, you know?
“But that’s what he’s born to do. He’s born to play football and whatever comes with it, he’s willing to accept it.”
Latest Stories
-
Mahama vows to create an agro-processing zone in Afram Plains
9 mins -
Political parties should plan for losses, not just wins – IGP advises
10 mins -
524 Diasporan Africans granted Ghanaian citizenship in ceremony
12 mins -
Mahama urges Afram Plains North residents to avoid ‘skirt and blouse’ voting
14 mins -
Asantehene receives more 19th century gold ornament and regalia
21 mins -
Hohoe Ghana Blind Union organises training for members ahead of Election 2024
27 mins -
Alan Kyerematen reveals his future plans for Ghanaian Health professionals
28 mins -
AAIN empowers women and small enterprises in Upper East Region through SHINE project
29 mins -
Akufo-Addo leads nationwide commissioning of 80 educational projects
36 mins -
Ghana and Seychelles strengthen bilateral ties with focus on key sectors
1 hour -
National Elections Security Taskforce meets political party heads ahead of December elections
1 hour -
Samsung’s AI-powered innovations honored by Consumer Technology Association
1 hour -
Fugitive Zambian MP arrested in Zimbabwe – minister
2 hours -
Town council in Canada at standstill over refusal to take King’s oath
2 hours -
Trump picks Pam Bondi as attorney general after Matt Gaetz withdraws
2 hours