Watch: Sadio Mane given musical welcome before AFCON kick-off

The 2021 African Cup of Nations begins this weekend and the nation of Senegal will be looking to Sadio Mane to deliver their first continental trophy.

Senegal were runners-up during the last AFCON in 2019, losing the final to Algeria in Cairo. But, with a squad packed full of talent, they enter this tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Mane is The Lions of Teranga’s talisman and the Liverpool forward was given a big welcome after linking up the national team.

Wearing traditional African clothes, Mane held the Senegalese flag aloft while dancing along to some local music.

The 29-year-old has admitted he would “trade” the trophies he’s lifted during his club career to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Mane made the bullish claim in a new advert for New Balance.

“When I was a kid, they called me Ballonbuwa (ball wizard), but I was always more of a Gaynde (lion): ruthless, explosive, a hunter.

“I have been hunting my whole career, but no matter what I have caught – I am still hungry.

“My people have waited a long time. I would trade it all to win this one. This is my time. The Lion roars.”

Sadio Mane was given a big welcome after linking up with the Senegalese national team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations! 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/Rtz0bxlQSl

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 7, 2022

More from Planet Football

Struggling Sadio Mane is on a quest to earn Senegal’s AFCON redemption

Nine times Liverpool’s Sadio Mane was the nicest man in the world