Morocco missed the chance to claim AFCON glory as Brahim Diaz missed a late penalty but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has rejected theories it was deliberate
Edouard Mendy has rejected suggestions Morocco missed their late penalty on purpose
Edouard Mendy has rejected suggestions Morocco missed their late penalty on purpose(Image: )
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Edouard Mendy has laughed off suggestions that Brahim Diaz missed his last minute penalty on purpose as Morocco's AFCON wait was extended in dramatic circumstances.
The Real Madrid ace had enjoyed an impressive tournament, top scoring, but he was unable to convert from 12 yards as his audacious panenka looped straight into the hands of the ex-Chelsea goalkeeper, before Senegal claimed the trophy in extra-time. Diaz's penalty came after a lengthy wait, which owed to the Senegalese players walking off the pitch in protest at the late penalty being given after a VAR intervention. It meant the forward had a 17 minute pause before he stepped up, ultimately fluffing his lines.
There have been theories going round that, due to the events that led to the penalty being given, Diaz missed the penalty on purpose. But Mendy rejected that idea with Morocco so desperate to end their wait for continental glory.
He said: "Did Brahim missed the penalty on purpose? No, of course not. We have to be serious. Do you really think that with one minute left and a country that has been waiting 50 years for a title, we can reach an agreement? He wanted to score and I deserve credit for stopping him, that's all."
Diaz was distraught after his penalty incident and apologised to the entire Morocco team in the dressing room before breaking down in tears. DZfoot has reported that some of the team's executives are said to be furious and haven't forgiven him.
Morocco boss Walid Regragui has attempted to defend his striker, suggesting his long wait impacted on the Real star. "He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him," he said. "But we can't change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forwards now."
Brahim Diaz missed his spot kick before Senegal claimed victory in extra-time
Brahim Diaz missed his spot kick before Senegal claimed victory in extra-time(Image: )
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Mendy, who now plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, has said he is "proud" of the way Senegal returned to the pitch to win their second AFCON title in five years. Sadio Mane understood to have played a central role in convincing his team-mates to head back out after their protest.
"What did we say to each other? That's between us," said Mendy. "We did it together and we came back together, that's all that matters. We can be proud."
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