“After chasing me from the club, I’ve promised never to return again, but what Liam Rosenior told me yesterday after Chelsea Win against Palace has really changed my mind”: Nicolas Jackson reveals what Liam Rosenior told him ahead of Stamford Bridge Comrback
Bayern Munich is set to welcome back Nicolas Jackson, a newly crowned African champion, to their training facility. The Chelsea loanee and Senegalese forward played in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, though he was substituted in the dying moments of regulation time.
The match appeared destined for extra time when dramatic events unfolded. Senegal thought they had scored from a corner kick in the 92nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for a foul—decided without video review. The Senegalese squad protested vigorously, believing the call was dubious.
Minutes later, Morocco received a penalty following a VAR review on what would be essentially the final corner. The inconsistent use of video technology infuriated Senegal’s team so intensely that manager Pape Thiaw pulled his entire squad off the field toward the locker room—an unprecedented scene in this observer’s 17 years of following the sport.
Former Bayern player Sadio Mané became the pivotal figure, refusing to abandon hope and convincing his teammates to return to the pitch, despite the slim chances remaining.
Following additional delays from Senegalese keeper Édouard Mendy’s tactical gamesmanship, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz attempted to secure Morocco’s first AFCON victory in five decades with the penalty kick. Instead, he attempted a Panenka that Mendy easily collected. After over 20 minutes of added time and chaos, neither side had scored.
The missed opportunity devastated Morocco, and Senegal capitalized when Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the upper corner just three minutes into extra time. Improbably, Senegal maintained their advantage through the remainder of the match, claiming their second-ever African championship.
The final was extraordinarily compelling—almost too dramatic to be believable as fiction. This unpredictability exemplifies why football captivates billions worldwide. No match outcome is guaranteed; some feature this level of madness, while others showcase remarkable second-half comebacks after difficult opening periods.
Congratulations to Jackson and Mané on their championship, joining former Bayern player Bouna Sarr as African title winners.
