AFCON Final Scandal: Mendy and the Ball Boys Spark Controversy

The Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal was marked by a tense and controversial atmosphere that began even before the match. The Senegalese Football Federation had expressed concerns about the players’ safety upon arrival, noting that the assigned hotel did not meet the required standards and that there was no proper training ground available for the team’s preparation. During the match, the tension carried over into the stadium. The Senegalese players were targeted with several tactics aimed at distracting them, especially goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Spectators used laser pointers aimed at his eyes, a situation that raised concerns about the goalkeeper’s safety. Furthermore, the situation escalated in an unusual way when the ball boys tried to snatch Mendy’s towel to prevent him from drying his hands. In response to this unexpected sabotage, backup goalkeeper Yehvan Diouf intervened to protect the towel and ended up chasing These events created a climate of controversy that partially overshadowed the sporting aspects of the final. The Senegalese Football Federation expressed its displeasure over the lack of guarantees and the actions that, according to them, jeopardized the safety and focus of their players. The match will not only be remembered for the score but also for the incidents surrounding it and the controversy over the organization and atmosphere of the final. In this edition, the Africa Cup of Nations became a stage for debates about safety, sportsmanship, and the protection of players in international events.