Edouard Mendy has addressed the controversial walk-off by the Senegalese team during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco, but remained tight-lipped regarding any specific conversations with Brahim Diaz. The final, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was marred by drama and contention surrounding a late penalty decision.
With the score tied at 0-0, a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time after a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. The decision sparked immediate and furious protests from the Senegalese players, leading to the team briefly leaving the pitch in protest.
Mendy explained that the walk-off was a spontaneous reaction in the "heat of the moment". He acknowledged the intensity of the situation, with a disallowed Senegal goal earlier in the match further fueling their sense of injustice. Despite the burning emotions, Mendy emphasized that "football won in the end," alluding to their eventual victory.
Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, was seen instructing his players to return to the dressing room amidst the chaos. It took the intervention of captain Sadio Mane to appeal to his teammates to return to the field in the spirit of fair play. The delay lasted approximately 16 minutes, adding to the already heightened tension.
When play finally resumed in the 24th minute of added time, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, with a chance to win the AFCON title for Morocco. However, his attempted Panenka chip was easily saved by Edouard Mendy, adding another layer of drama to the already extraordinary final. Mendy approached the penalty spot twice seemingly to further delay Diaz.
Mendy refrained from disclosing any details regarding conversations he may have had with Brahim Diaz during the penalty delay. This silence adds to the intrigue surrounding the events that unfolded during those tense moments.
Following Diaz's missed penalty, the game went into extra time. Pape Gueye scored for Senegal in the first half of extra time. Despite Morocco's efforts, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory, claiming their second AFCON title.
