Liverpool’s Sadio Mane gives head injury update from hospital bed after AFCON collision

The Senegal international was the hero for his nation victory over Cape Verde, but was forced off the pitch with concussion.
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Sadio Mane gave Liverpool fans with a major scare as he was forced off with concussion following a clash of heads whilst playing for Senegal.

Mane was on the scoresheet as his nation defeated nine-man Cape Verde 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

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The victory means the 29-year-old won’t be returning to Anfield just yet, but Reds supporters’ priority will be hoping their forward is healthy after a nasty incident.

What happened?

Before his 63rd minute curler went in off the underside of the crossbar, Mane was involved in a clash of heads with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha - who was sent off following a review by the video assistant referee.

The keeper rushed out of his box to intercept an attempted pass by opposition goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but ended up colliding heads with Mane after the attacker was first to the ball.

Despite initial signs that Mane appeared to be knocked out, he continued and scored six minutes later.

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However, proceedings took a turn during the celebrations. Mane laid down on the halfway line and was led off the field before Capa Verde kicked the game back off.

In the 70th minute, seven minutes after his opening goal, the Reds star was officially replaced by Ahmadou Bamba Dieng - who scored the second goal in injury time to seal the victory.

What’s the latest?

Senegal manager Aliou Cisse provided a brief statement after the game, explaining that Mane has been taken to hospital.

He said: “He felt faint, his head was spinning and he had to go there.”

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There was a positive update from Mane on his Instagram story when he posted a photo of himself and the Vozinha in the hospital - both smiling and Mane looking okay.

Senegal are set to be questioned for allowing Mane to continue to play after appearing to be knocked out.

We await a further update from the Senegalese FA and it remains unclear if the winger will be deemed well enough to face either Mali or Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-final.

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