19.01.2026 15:23
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy responded strongly to the claim that Brahim Diaz intentionally missed the "Panenka" penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Mendy firmly rejected the rumors of an agreement, stating, "We need to be serious."
The penalty used in the final, where Senegal reached for the trophy by defeating Morocco, remained at the center of discussions even after the match ended. While claims emerged that Brahim Diaz's "Panenka" style shot was intentionally missed, Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy opposed these statements.
CLEAR STANCE FROM MENDY: OF COURSE NOT
Edouard Mendy spoke clearly about the allegations directed at him. The experienced goalkeeper highlighted the atmosphere of the final and said:
"No, of course not. We need to be serious. Do you really think we could agree with one minute left in the match and with a country that has been waiting for a championship for 50 years?"
"HE WANTED TO SCORE, AND I SAVED IT"
Mendy emphasized that the penalty was a purely sporting contest. Stating that the Moroccan player wanted to score, Mendy noted that the save was also his right. He expressed that what happened in the locker room would remain within the team, saying, "We wanted to protect our honor and pride. We did that and got the reward."
DESCRIBED THE PENALTY MOMENT: I STAYED AS LONG AS POSSIBLE
The experienced goalkeeper also shared the details of the situation. Saying "He tried" regarding Diaz's shot, Mendy mentioned that he stayed on his supporting foot as long as possible, adding that luck was on their side, and used the expression "We kept the team in the match."
"WE REALLY WANTED TO BRING THE TROPHY HOME"
Mendy also emphasized how much the team wanted the trophy. The goalkeeper stated that he always talked with Sadio Mane before the penalty moments but did not share the content of those conversations. Mendy summarized the joy of victory with the words, "Millions of Senegalese are happy... Now we will enjoy this."