The decisive moment arrived three minutes into extra-time when Pape Gueye unleashed a fierce left-footed strike, giving the Lions of Teranga the only goal of the game and their first ever strike in four Africa Cup of Nations final appearances, sparking celebrations among Senegal’s players, staff and supporters.
Mendy said the outcome felt deserved after the disorder late on, insisting the broader spectacle mattered more than the row over decisions. He told BeIN Sports: “We’re not going to talk about things in the heat of the moment, things happened, but in the end, what you have to remember is that football won,” before highlighting Morocco’s long wait.
Continuing his interview, Mendy added: “Morocco have been waiting for this trophy for more than 50 years, they had everything in their favour, but we responded in our own way and tonight, Senegal can celebrate.” Morocco entered the Africa Cup of Nations final as hosts backed by a passionate home crowd in Rabat.
The match had been largely controlled and cagey for 90 minutes, with both sides cautious in possession. Senegal thought they had broken the deadlock in normal time when Ismaila Sarr scored, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up, adding to the tension inside the stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Stoppage time brought major controversy as El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for pulling Brahim Diaz from a Morocco corner five minutes into added time. Senegal’s players and technical team reacted angrily to the penalty award, arguing with officials before leaving the pitch in protest under the guidance of head coach Pape Thiaw.
While some members of the squad headed towards the dressing room, Sadio Mane tried to calm the situation and encouraged Senegal to finish the Africa Cup of Nations final on the field. The dispute caused a lengthy delay, and the penalty was not taken until the 24th minute of stoppage time, with tension rising inside the Rabat venue.
Diaz finally stepped up and attempted a Panenka, but Mendy stayed upright and comfortably caught the chipped effort, which was the last kick of regulation time. Diaz left the scene in tears, and Mendy was quick to dismiss any suggestions the Real Madrid forward had second thoughts about scoring for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Addressing the penalty incident, Mendy said: “He tried the Panenka, I stayed on my feet. We kept the team in the game, and I helped my team at that time,” before insisting Diaz had clear intentions. Mendy added: “Yes, he wanted to score, I stopped him, we have to stop there, with the controversy.”
Asked about the discussions during Senegal’s brief retreat to the dressing room, Mendy refused to reveal details of what was said between players and staff. He replied: “It stays between us, we did it together, and we came back together. That’s all we have to remember. We can be proud tonight. We were keen to win this final, to bring the trophy home. Millions of Senegalese people are happy, we will enjoy it.”
Key match facts from the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat are shown below.
Midfielder Idrissa Gueye, named Man of the Match after a tireless display, backed Mendy’s assessment of the Africa Cup of Nations final and praised both teams. Idrissa Gueye said: “It was a very complicated match, we were keen to win here. It’s a beautiful country, with remarkable supporters. We gave everything, we didn’t cheat. Senegal are African champions, and we are very happy.”
The Confederation of African Football later highlighted Senegal’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations final with an official post.
For Morocco, the defeat extended a wait of more than five decades for a second continental title, despite hosting the Africa Cup of Nations final and gaining strong support in Rabat. Senegal, meanwhile, left with a second trophy, a dramatic extra-time winner from Pape Gueye, and the feeling, in Mendy’s words, that football had prevailed.