Senegalese Yehvann Diouf speaks out after AFCON towel incident

Senegalese goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has said his “safety has been compromised” following the widely discussed towel incident during the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The 2025-2026 season has been marked by a series of contrasting moments for the OGC Nice goalkeeper, who joined the club from Reims last summer. Among them, the AFCON final stands out as a defining episode, both for its outcome and the events surrounding it.

During the match, Diouf found himself involved in an unusual situation linked to a towel used by fellow goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

The object became the centre of attention during a chaotic moment, with Diouf stepping in to ensure it remained protected from interference.

Reflecting on the incident in an interview with L’Équipe, Diouf acknowledged the attention it has received since. “I realized it when we got back and people were constantly talking to me about it, thanking me.

The only thing I have to say is that if it allowed Édouard to be in the best possible conditions, so much the better,” he said. “But it would have been better if it hadn’t happened.”

He also highlighted concerns over the circumstances surrounding the moment. “Yes, it can be funny, add a bit of local color. But above all, it must never happen; my safety has been compromised.”

Following the tournament, Diouf returned to club football with Nice, where he initially faced competition to reclaim his place in the starting line-up. His focus has since shifted to the club’s situation in the league, with Nice now involved in a battle to avoid relegation.

The goalkeeper is determined to avoid a repeat of last season, when his former club Reims endured disappointment in both the Coupe de France final and the relegation play-off.

With the campaign nearing its conclusion, Diouf emphasised the importance of the remaining fixtures.

“We’re fortunate to have our destiny in our own hands, finishing the season with two crucial matches against Auxerre and Metz – playoffs before the final whistle,” he said. “Today, we’re all aware of the situation.”

As the season enters its final phase, Diouf’s experience reflects both the highs and challenges of a demanding year, combining international success with the pressures of domestic competition.