SOCCER: Senegal stormed off in heat of the moment but football won, says keeper Mendy

RABAT — Senegal’s decision to briefly walk off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final was made in the heat of the moment, but football ultimately prevailed, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy said after their dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco on Sunday.

Senegal left the field in protest after a penalty was awarded against them deep into stoppage time at the end of regulation. The team later returned and went on to defeat the hosts with Pape Gueye’s winning goal in extra time.

“We’re not going to talk in the heat of the moment. Things happened, but in the end what matters is that football won,” Mendy told reporters, referring to the chaotic scenes that saw head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw instruct his players to leave the pitch before captain Sadio Mane convinced them to return.

“Morocco has been waiting for this trophy for more than 50 years. They had everything going for them, but we responded in our own way, and tonight we celebrate Senegal,” Mendy added.

The goalkeeper said the team was determined to win the final and bring the trophy home to their supporters.

“Millions of Senegalese are happy, and we’re going to enjoy this,” he said. “We need to put this controversy behind us.”

Despite the triumph, Senegal could still face disciplinary action for the protest, which marred an otherwise successful month-long tournament.

Mendy played a crucial role in the win by saving a Panenka-style penalty from Brahim Diaz, which could have sealed the match for Morocco. The penalty was taken 14 minutes after it was awarded following a VAR review.

“He tried the Panenka, but I stayed on my feet,” Mendy said. “We kept ourselves in the game, and I was able to help my team at that moment.”

Mendy was among the players who went to the dressing room during the protest before returning to the pitch.

“What did we say to each other? That stays between us,” he said. “We left together and came back together. That’s all that matters. We can be proud tonight.”

-Writing by Mark Gleeson in Rabat; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters