Edouard Mendy, the Senegal goalkeeper, has reopened the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting that Senegal still considers itself a two-time African champion. The 2025 AFCON final was marred by controversy when Senegal walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a late penalty. CAF awarded the final to Morocco, recording the match as a 3-0 victory under Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.
Mendy's comments come months after CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final. The Senegalese team walked off the pitch after Morocco was awarded a penalty in stoppage time. The incident triggered an extraordinary reaction from the Senegal bench and players, with coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to leave the pitch. The players returned after roughly 15 minutes, but the incident had significant repercussions.
One of the defining moments of the final came in stoppage time when Morocco was awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a challenge involving Brahim Díaz. Mendy made a crucial save, stopping Díaz's Panenka attempt. The goalkeeper revealed that he had read Díaz's intentions, noticing that he slowed down early before shooting. Mendy's save kept the match level, but Senegal eventually scored in extra time through Pape Gueye.
Despite CAF's ruling, Mendy remains adamant that Senegal won the tournament. He stressed that his comments were not directed against Morocco or its supporters, but rather reflected how Senegal feels about the outcome. The goalkeeper's assertions have brought the 2025 AFCON final back into the spotlight, with the case currently pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The 2025 AFCON final controversy has had significant repercussions for both teams. CAF's Appeal Board declared that Senegal had forfeited the final and recorded the match as a 3-0 win for Morocco. The Senegalese federation defied the CAF ruling, taking the case to CAS. The court's decision is expected to be heard on October 8.
Mendy also ranked the AFCON title as the crowning achievement of his career. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has won the Champions League with Chelsea and two Asian Champions League titles with Al-Ahli. He places Senegal's AFCON triumph above all of them, explaining that winning for his country was a unique experience, especially given Senegal's history without a major trophy.
For now, CAF recognizes Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion. Pending the CAS ruling, Morocco remains the official winner of the 2025 continental crown. The controversy surrounding the final has sparked a heated debate, with both teams maintaining their positions on the outcome.
Key points
- Edouard Mendy insists Senegal won the 2025 AFCON title
- CAF awarded the final to Morocco due to Senegal's walk-off
- The case is currently pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
