Senegal's Backup Goalkeeper Turns Towel Guardian in AFCON Final Drama
In a bizarre twist during the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal's second goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf emerged as an unlikely hero. He never stepped onto the field to play, yet his actions captured global attention. Diouf spent much of the match protecting the towels used by starting keeper Edouard Mendy from persistent ball boys.
Chaotic Scenes Unfold on the Touchline
The AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco featured more than just football drama. A 14-minute delay and Senegal players briefly walking off after conceding a late penalty set the stage. Then came the peculiar towel incident that dominated social media discussions.
Viral videos show Diouf wrestling with ball boys along the touchline. At one point, ball boys chased him across the pitch. Other footage captures him lying flat on the ground, shielding a towel while ball boys attempted to drag him toward the sideline.
Morocco players joined the fray too. Captain Achraf Hakimi threw one of Mendy's towels over advertising boards. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari tried to prevent Diouf from handing a towel to Mendy during the match.
Why Towels Matter in Football
Goalkeepers regularly keep towels nearby for practical reasons. They use them to wipe their gloves and faces, especially during wet conditions like those in Rabat during Sunday's final. The towels help maintain grip and visibility in challenging weather.
This incident reminded some fans of similar situations. Nigerian goalkeeper's towels were reportedly taken away by stadium staff in previous matches. The towel tussle highlighted how small details can become focal points in high-pressure games.
Diouf's Reaction and Fan Response
After Senegal's victory, Diouf addressed the unusual situation with reporters. "Maybe people read something into those towels," he said. "But in any case they were only used to dry the gloves and the face when it's raining. I was just as surprised as you were, but like the team as a whole, we stuck together, and Edouard was able to get the towels he needed."
Senegalese fans celebrated Diouf's dedication. Some compared his towel protection efforts to Pape Gueye's extra-time winning goal in importance. Social media buzzed with praise for the backup keeper's commitment to his teammate.
Diouf later posted a playful picture on social media. He showed himself biting his medal while holding a towel, captioning it "Here it is (the medal and the towel)." The post captured the lighthearted way he handled the unexpected attention.
Broader Context of the Match
Senegal ultimately defeated hosts Morocco in a tense final to claim their second AFCON title. The match will be remembered not just for the football, but for the unusual sideline drama that unfolded. Diouf's actions demonstrated team unity in unexpected ways, showing how every squad member contributes to success.
The incident sparked discussions about ball boy behavior in professional football. Fans questioned what authority ball boys have to interfere with players' equipment during matches. The viral moments added another layer to an already dramatic continental championship final.
