Mendy Hails Senegal’s AFCON Triumph as ‘A Victory for Football’ After Dramatic Final

Edouard Mendy described Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph as “a win for football” after the Lions of Teranga edged hosts Morocco in a dramatic and controversial final that saw them briefly leave the pitch in protest.

Pape Gueye’s sensational strike three minutes into extra time sealed a 1-0 victory in Rabat, handing Senegal their second AFCON title. However, the scoreline alone fails to capture the extraordinary nature of a chaotic showpiece that will be remembered as much for its controversy as its quality.

After a largely uneventful 90 minutes, the final erupted into drama deep into stoppage time. Senegal thought they had snatched a late winner when Ismaila Sarr turned the ball home, only for the goal to be ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. Moments later, El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for pulling down Brahim Díaz in the penalty area following a Moroccan corner.

The decision sparked furious protests from the Senegal camp. Head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch and back to the dressing room, while captain Sadio Mané attempted to persuade his teammates to continue the match.

After a prolonged delay, the penalty was eventually taken in the 24th minute of stoppage time. Díaz attempted an audacious Panenka, but his effort was comfortably gathered by Mendy, preserving Senegal’s hopes.

Those hopes were realised early in extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike to settle the contest — Senegal’s first-ever goal in an AFCON final across four appearances.

Speaking after the match, Mendy said the final outcome had restored a sense of justice.

“We’re not going to speak about things said in the heat of the moment,” the goalkeeper said. “Things happened, but in the end, what matters is that football won.

“Morocco have been waiting for this trophy for more than 50 years. They had everything in their favour, but we responded in our own way. Tonight, Senegal can celebrate.”

Díaz was left in tears after seeing his penalty saved, and Mendy dismissed suggestions that the Real Madrid forward may have been conflicted about scoring.

“He tried the Panenka, and I stayed on my feet,” Mendy explained. “I kept the team in the game at that moment and helped my teammates. He wanted to score — I stopped him. That’s where the story ends, despite the controversy.”

When asked about the decision to leave the pitch, Mendy was keen to keep matters private.

“What was said stays between us,” he added. “We went together, and we came back together. That’s all that matters. We can be proud tonight.

“We wanted to win this final and bring the trophy home. Millions of Senegalese people are happy, and we will enjoy this moment.”

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who was named Man of the Match, echoed those sentiments.

“It was a very complicated match, and we were determined to win here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful country with incredible supporters. We gave everything and played fairly.

“Senegal are African champions, and we are very happy.”