In a chaotic final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf emerged as an unsung hero, playing a crucial role in his team’s victory despite not seeing a single minute of action on the pitch.
The 26-year-old Diouf, who was an unused substitute during the final in Rabat, found himself tasked with a unique responsibility – protecting his team-mate Edouard Mendy’s towel from the relentless attempts of the Moroccan players to discard it.
Amid the torrential conditions, Mendy, the Chelsea goalkeeper, was regularly required to dry his gloves. However, the Moroccan players, who had also employed the same tactic in their semi-final win against Nigeria, were determined to interfere with this process.
Diouf, undeterred by the chaos, stepped up to the challenge, guarding Mendy’s towel from the ball boys and flag bearers throughout the 120-minute encounter. At one point, the Senegal keeper was even tackled to the ground by three ball boys and dragged around on the floor in his efforts to safeguard the essential piece of equipment.
Footage later in the game also appeared to show Moroccan captain Acharf Hakimi tossing one of Senegal’s towels over an advertising board, further highlighting the lengths the opposing team went to disrupt Senegal’s preparations.
Despite the extraordinary circumstances, Senegal emerged victorious, with Pape Gueye scoring a stunning individual goal in the fourth minute of extra time to secure their second AFCON triumph in five years.
In the aftermath of the match, Diouf took to Instagram to poke fun at his unique role, sharing a photo of his winner’s medal alongside the now-iconic towel he had so diligently protected.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the “ugly scenes” that marred the final, acknowledging the chaotic nature of the proceedings. However, Diouf’s unwavering commitment to his team-mate and his vital contribution to Senegal’s success have cemented his place as an unsung hero in the annals of AFCON history.
