Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has addressed the controversy surrounding Brahim Díaz’s missed penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting the save was a moment of skill rather than collusion.
The incident occurred late in the match, with Senegal clinging to their slim lead against Morocco.
Díaz, the Real Madrid midfielder, stepped up to take a penalty and attempted a Panenka, but Mendy remained composed and stopped the ball, keeping Senegal’s title hopes alive.
The moment quickly sparked speculation on social media, with some suggesting a possible understanding between the players.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Mendy dismissed such claims, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Seriously, let’s be serious.
Do you really think that with one minute left, when a country has been waiting for this for fifty years… you think we’re going to come to an agreement? He wanted to score, I deserve credit for stopping him, that’s all. We need to stop there,” he said.
The goalkeeper’s comments underline the intensity and pressure of the final. Senegal were seeking to end a half-century wait for an AFCON title, and every moment on the pitch carried enormous weight.
Mendy’s intervention at that critical juncture preserved the team’s momentum and ultimately contributed to their triumph.
Díaz, meanwhile, also rejected any suggestion that the penalty was anything other than a standard attempt. For the Spanish midfielder, it was simply a missed spot-kick at a decisive moment, and he has not publicly entertained claims of a pre-arranged understanding.
The penalty incident has since dominated post-match discussion, highlighting the fine margins that define major finals.
Mendy’s performance, and his calm under pressure, drew praise from fans and analysts alike, with his save becoming one of the defining moments of the tournament.
By confronting the rumours head-on, Mendy clarified his position and ensured that the focus remains on Senegal’s historic achievement rather than speculative narratives surrounding a single event.
