Sadio Mané collided badly with the opposing goalkeeper at the Africa Cup of Nations. He continued to play in a daze and even scored a goal before he was forced out. This brought a well-known debate back into focus.
Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde. The focus of the game was not the result, but the head injuries of two players, which fueled a well-known discussion.
With 54 minutes on, Senegal striker Sadio Mané collided violently with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. Both banged their heads at full speed in the fight for the ball and remained dazed on the lawn.
Sadio Mané (middle right) is congratulated. (Source: Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters)
While Vozinha, who shortly afterwards jumped up quite disoriented, staggered across the pitch and had to be made to sit down by his teammates, saw the red card, Mané returned to the game after some treatment time. A few minutes after the collision, the Liverpool attacker even scored the opening goal for his home country (63rd). Only to have to be substituted a few moments later – and still dazed – (70′). Mané came to a hospital for further examinations.
There is still no uniform regulation that players – similar to American football – have to be replaced after a head injury or suspected concussion. The severity of the impact and the subsequent condition of Mané and Vozinha made it clear that concussion may have occurred.
After a while, the goalscorer couldn’t go any further. (Source: Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters)
After all: Mané gave the all-clear from the hospital. “Everything is fine, thanks for your messages,” wrote the star striker from his sickbed under an Instagram photo showing him with Vozinha.