Sadio Mane laughs off efforts to get goal dedication for 18-year-old wife Aisha Tamba after scoring for Senegal at Africa Cup of Nations

Shortly before heading to that tournament in the Ivory Coast, former Liverpool star Mane – who is now playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr – tied the knot with his teenage bride. That ceremony, and the pair’s dating history, has attracted plenty of attention.

Mane is aware of that, but was back doing his day job when helping Senegal to a 3-1 win over Cameroon at the latest AFCON event. He wrapped up victory for the Lions of Teranga when netting their third of game, and said of that strike that was rattled beyond Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana: “I used to tell my team members that during these kinds of counter-attacks, all African defenders just rush to the first post. That’s why I made one step forward and came backward to be alone one in the penalty area. And… I just needed to shoot on target and score the goal, because the ball is faster than the goalkeeper. That’s what I did.”

Mane was then asked who he would like to dedicate his goal to, in a clear nod towards his new bride, but the 31-year-old sidestepped that topic by saying: “I dedicate it to Cheikhou Kouyate. I know where you want to get at.” Nottingham Forest midfielder Kouyate left the Senegal camp last week to attend the funeral of his father.

Senegal are the only side still to boast a 100 per cent record at AFCON and are already safely through to the last 16. They will take in their final Group C encounter on Tuesday when facing Guinea in Yamoussoukro.