Before the highly anticipated match between Olympique de Marseille and OGC Nice this past Sunday, Senegalese goalkeeper Yéhvann Diouf shared his reflections on an emotionally charged season with L’Équipe. Sidelined for stretches of the campaign, the international nonetheless experienced moments that will linger in his memory—most notably the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
«The game was extraordinary,» Diouf admitted. «Like so many others, I had wished for a different outcome—not just in terms of the result, but in the way the entire tournament unfolded. Too many controversies have overshadowed the efforts of the federations, the AFCON, and the continent itself. Still, what matters most is that the match reached its conclusion and Senegal emerged victorious.»
Three months after the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, Yéhvann Diouf recounts his experience, including the controversial post-match incident involving a disputed towel.
Diouf chooses to focus solely on the Lions of Teranga’s hard-fought triumph on the pitch, highlighted by Pape Gueye’s decisive extra-time winner (1-0). The subsequent administrative ruling, awarding the victory to Morocco by default—a decision now under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport—remains a secondary concern for him.
Senegal vs Morocco: the avoidable controversy that marred the final
As a player for Nice, Diouf witnessed firsthand the chaotic aftermath of the game, particularly the controversial towel incident. His swift intervention to safeguard the item from Moroccan players became a talking point long after the final whistle.
«I only realized the significance of what happened when we returned to the locker room,» Diouf explained. «Fans kept mentioning it, thanking me. All I can say is that if my actions helped Édouard (Mendy) perform at his best, that’s great. But ideally, such situations shouldn’t arise. Sure, it might add a touch of spectacle, but most importantly, it jeopardized my safety.»
