Diaz’s fluffed Panenka for Morocco prompted suspicions he might have intentionally missed
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has dismissed strategies Brahim Diaz intentionally missed the injury-time penalty that may have handed Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations title.
The choice from referee Jean Jacques Ndala to award event hosts Morocco a spot-kick within the 98th-minute, not lengthy after he had dominated out a Senegal aim for a seemingly innocuous problem from Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi, incensed the Lions of Teranga to the extent they left the sphere in protest.
After a 17-minute hold-up, Senegal lastly returned just for a forlorn-looking Diaz to chip a Panenka penalty straight into Mendy’s palms. Senegal went on to win the title in extra-time because of Pape Gueye’s gorgeous strike.
No celebrations from Senegal after penalty miss
The dearth of celebration from the Senegal gamers prompted suspicions that Actual Madrid ahead Diaz had missed intentionally following discussions between the 2 camps and the Confederation of African Football through the delay.
However Mendy stated that was not the case.
He instructed beIN Sport: “Do you actually imagine that with one minute left, when a rustic has been ready for this for 50 years… do you assume we might agree on one thing? He needed to attain, I get the credit score for stopping it, that’s all. Let’s put an finish to this.
“Diaz tried to attain, and I simply did my job. I stayed calm dealing with that Panenka and managed to put it aside. It’s time to shut this debate.”
The speak previous to the ultimate was that the playing cards had been loaded to assist Morocco declare the trophy on dwelling soil – a story Senegal had been desirous to play into – however Mendy says his crew can now replicate on a job nicely performed.
“Some issues occurred on the pitch, however in soccer, crucial factor is to win,” he added. “We gave it our all, no dishonest. Senegal are African champions, and we’re extraordinarily completely happy about it.”
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