AFCON 2025 final: Édouard Mendy breaks his silence after Diaz's Panenka | OneFootball

Did Diaz miss his penalty on purpose? Édouard Mendy sets the record straight

Edouard Mendy / @x.com/edou_mendy_

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has spoken out to clear up the controversy that erupted after Brahim Diaz missed a penalty in the dying moments of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

The final, played on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, ended with a Senegalese victory (1-0), thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye.

The Lions of Teranga's triumph was ultimately sealed by Mendy's decisive save on a penalty from the Real Madrid player, which was attempted in Panenka style.

Did Diaz miss his penalty on purpose? Édouard Mendy sets the record straight

Amid swirling speculation, the Senegalese keeper categorically denied any deliberate intent from the Moroccan player: "Do you really believe that with one minute left, when a country has been waiting for this for fifty years... do you think we would agree on something? He wanted to score, I get the credit for stopping it, that's all. Let's put an end to this."

In statements reported by the Spanish daily Sport, citing beIN Sports, the Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) goalkeeper added: "Diaz tried to score, and I just did my job."

Reflecting on the palpable tension in the final minutes, Mendy clarified: "Some things happened on the pitch, but in football, the most important thing is to win."

He went on: "I stayed calm facing that Panenka and managed to save it. It's time to close this debate."

In conclusion, the last line of defense for the Lions of Teranga proudly declared: "We gave it our all, no cheating. Senegal are African champions, and we are extremely happy about it."