A guard spoke Senegal national teamEdouard Mendy, about the penalty kick taken by Moroccan national team player Ibrahim Diaz in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which was a major reason for Senegal winning the title.
Mendy rejected any doubts about the existence of a prior agreement between the players to miss the kick, stressing that the ball went to the goalkeeper and that there was no prior arrangement.
Mendy denies there is any agreement
Mindy said:
“Do you think that after 50 years of waiting we would have agreed to miss the penalty kick?”
He added: “Ibrahim Diaz was trying with all his strength to score the goal, and I was focusing on my task as a goalkeeper. I blocked the kick thanks to training and focus, and there was no prior agreement on the result.”
The Guardian praises Diaz’s performance
Mendy expressed his great respect for Brahim Diaz, noting that he is a talented and courageous player to face the great pressure in the final match. He said: “He tried to score with all his ability, and despite the psychological pressure, he showed great courage. This type of player makes football beautiful and exciting.”
Mendy highlights the importance of focus
The Senegalese goalkeeper pointed out that his high concentration during the match, especially in critical moments such as penalty kicks, was the main factor in his decisive saves. He added: “Decisive kicks require calm and confidence, and I sought to do my duty to the fullest, and this is what happened in our meeting with Morocco.”
Mendy concluded with a sportsmanship message
Mendy concluded his speech with a positive message, stressing that football is not limited to the result only, but rather to sportsmanship and fair competition. He said: “Thank God for the victory, and we wish all the players to give their best, whether they win or lose.”
