Mane Declared Fit for Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
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Mane Declared Fit for Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)

Sadio Mane has been declared fit for Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Equatorial Guinea in Yaounde on Sunday, his country's football federation said, days after suffering a head knock that saw him taken to hospital.

After scoring the opening goal, the Liverpool star clashed heads with the opposing goalkeeper as Senegal beat the Cape Verde Islands in Tuesday's last-16 clash in Bafoussam and was forced to leave the field, looking groggy and with swelling on the side of his face.

He underwent examinations that showed no trace of concussion, said Senegal's doctor Abdourahmane Fédior.

"All the symptoms he had on the pitch are gone. His condition requires fairly close monitoring. Everything is normal on the X-ray," the doctor said in a statement released by the Senegalese federation.

Mane, The reigning African Footballer of the Year, posted a picture of himself on social media with the caption "recovering".

He is a major part of Senegal's hopes of winning their first continental championship in Cameroon. They were among the pre-tournament favorites but although they have reached the last eight, they have so far looked far from convincing.



Ronaldo Sheds Tears of Joy after Portugal's Nations League Triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C) lifts the trophy as players celebrate after winning the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich, Germany, 08 June 2025. EPA/FILIP SINGER
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C) lifts the trophy as players celebrate after winning the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich, Germany, 08 June 2025. EPA/FILIP SINGER
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Ronaldo Sheds Tears of Joy after Portugal's Nations League Triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C) lifts the trophy as players celebrate after winning the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich, Germany, 08 June 2025. EPA/FILIP SINGER
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C) lifts the trophy as players celebrate after winning the UEFA Nations League final match between Portugal and Spain in Munich, Germany, 08 June 2025. EPA/FILIP SINGER

Another trophy for Cristiano Ronaldo. More records, more adulation.

The Portugal star shed tears after helping his team win the Nations League on Sunday.

Ronaldo scored to help Portugal draw level with Spain 2-2 in the final, then watched as his teammates won the penalty shootout 5-3.

“I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal,” The Associated Press quoted Ronaldo as saying. “These are tears. It’s mission accomplished and so much joy.”

The 40-year-old Ronaldo had been the first to run out onto the field for the pre-game warmup, sparking a huge roar from the Portugal supporters, including many wearing jerseys emblazoned with his name.

His appearance prompted many supporters to pull out their cell phones to record the superstar while they could still see him in action. Ronaldo conceded Saturday that he won’t be able to play forever.

That was three days after he helped Portugal to its first win over Germany for 25 years, scoring the winner for a 2-1 victory in the Nations League semifinals.

On Sunday he was driving the team again, though it was initially a frustrating game as his chances were limited by Spain’s hard-working defenders.

Nuno Mendes fired Portugal level after Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain. Then Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead 2-1 at the break.

But Ronaldo was in the right place at the right time to fire home the equalizer from Mendes’ deflected cross in the 61st, setting off joyous scenes among his faithful fans. It was Ronaldo’s 138th goal for Portugal. Nobody has ever scored more for their country.

Ronaldo kept trying in what was his record-extending 221st appearance for the country, but eventually had to go off exhausted in the 88th to standing ovations from fans and a hug from coach Roberto Martínez.

Ronaldo said he was carrying an injury into the game.

“I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it,” Ronaldo said. “It’s for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all.”