RABAT, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Senegal ‌talisman Sadio Mane emerged with more than just the Player of the Tournament award ‌after Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, earning widespread respect for persuading his aggrieved ‌side to complete the match against Morocco.

It was Mane who convinced teammates to return to the pitch in Rabat after their coach Pape Bouna Thiaw ordered them off in protest at a penalty awarded against them deep in stoppage time.