Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has declared he has temporarily stepped down from penalty duties – after a second miss inside a week.
Mane failed from the spot for Senegal in their 1-0 round of 16 win over Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, but had earlier scored what turned out to be the winner.
The Liverpool man had similarly missed in the 3-0 group win against Kenya on Monday, although he did convert a penalty later in the match.
And explaining his decision, Mane said: “It’s a momentary withdrawal.
“I have missed penalties in both games and must admit that it is not a good ratio.
“I do not want to penalise my team and, at least for the time being, I’m going to stand aside for the penalties and let other team mates get on with it.”
Mane missed the penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against Cameroon that eliminated Senegal in the last Africa Cup of Nations two years ago, and failed with his only spot kick for Liverpool at home to Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League last season.
“When I return to my club, I will continue to work hard to improve on this aspect,” he added.
Senegal are next in action on Wednesday with a quarter-final tie against Benin, who shocked Morocco with a win on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their round of 16 clash.
