Mendy: "Given What Happened Before the Penalty, I Expected Diaz to Shoot Down the Middle" - Elbotola
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Mendy: "Given What Happened Before the Penalty, I Expected Diaz to Shoot Down the Middle"

Mendy: "Given What Happened Before the Penalty, I Expected Diaz to Shoot Down the Middle"

19 January 2026at01:32

Senegal national team goalkeeper Edouard Mendy spoke about the penalty he saved from Brahim Diaz, a crucial moment that restored confidence to his teammates before they ultimately secured a 1-0 victory and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Mendy said: "I would be lying if I said I knew where he was going to shoot it. But I tried to maximize my chances by staying on my feet for as long as possible."

He added: "I knew that shooting down the middle was a plausible option, given the flow of the game. And with the game stopped, I knew that this would be on his mind and could affect him. In the end, things went my way."

It is worth noting that the Senegal national team defeated Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, winning the continental title for the second time in their history.

Why did Edouard Mendy anticipate Brahim Diaz's penalty shot down the middle?

Mendy explained he didn't know for sure but stayed on his feet, expecting a central shot due to the game's flow and the pressure on Diaz, which ultimately went his way.

What was the final outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal?

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, securing their second continental title. Mendy's crucial penalty save from Brahim Diaz was a pivotal moment in their victory.
Edouard Mendy
Brahim Díaz
Senegal
Morocco
CAF Africa Cup of Nations

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