Sadio Mane had a head injury while playing for Senegal in the African Cup of Nations, but the Liverpool forward was allowed to continue

 

 

Sadio Mane was allowed to go on for 16 minutes after suffering a head injury during Senegal’s round of 16 match against Cape Verde, raising severe concerns about the Africa Cup of Nations’ concussion protocol (Afcon).

After colliding heads with goalie Vozinha, who was the last man, on the edge of the box, the Liverpool attacker appeared stunned. After Patrick Andrade saw red, the Cape Verde goalkeeper was sent out, reducing his team to nine men.

Mane stayed on and scored a stunning goal to put Senegal ahead, a curling attempt that rattled in off the crossbar.

However, he was not replaced until the 70th minute, when Bamba Dieng came in to replace him. In the 2-0 triumph, the Marseille forward scored Senegal’s second goal.

Following significant deliberation with medical specialists and national organizations, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) authorized permanent concussion substitutes in 2021.

To safeguard players, Ifab asked that teams be permitted one extra substitution if required. This would allow players to be taken off if there was any indication of a concussion.

In February of that year, the Premier League made the decision.