Senegal Keeper Jokes About Protecting Towel in Afcon Win

Sometimes the biggest contributions come from the most unexpected places, and Yehvann Diouf just proved that sitting on the bench doesn't mean you can't change the game.

The 26-year-old Senegal reserve goalkeeper never played a single minute during Sunday's chaotic Afcon final in Rabat. But his job turned out to be just as crucial: protecting teammate Edouard Mendy's towel from Morocco's ball boys in the pouring rain.

As torrential conditions hammered the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Mendy desperately needed to dry his gloves throughout the match. Morocco's team had other ideas, repeatedly trying to snatch and discard the towel to disrupt Senegal's rhythm.

That's when Diouf stepped up. Video footage shows him sprinting away from pursuing ball boys and clutching the towel like a prized possession. At one point, three ball boys tackled him to the ground and dragged him across the turf while he held on tight.

The towel battle raged for all 120 minutes of the final. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi even joined in, tossing one of Senegal's towels over an advertising board when he thought nobody was watching.

But Diouf's determination paid off. Senegal won their second continental championship in five years after Pape Gueye scored a stunning goal in extra time. The victory came after 17 minutes of protests and a missed penalty from Morocco's Brahim Diaz.

Sunny's Take

After the final whistle, Diouf shared what might be the most joyful Instagram post of the tournament. He posted a photo showing his winners' medal alongside the now-famous towel, writing simply: "There it is – the medal and the towel."

The image, accompanied by love-struck and crying-laughing emojis, perfectly captured the absurd beauty of his contribution. Sometimes victory requires flash and skill, but sometimes it just takes someone willing to hold onto a towel no matter what.

Diouf's story reminds us that every role matters, even the ones that look silly from the outside. His teammates trusted him with an unusual task, and he gave it everything he had.

While the final was marred by controversy and criticism from FIFA president Gianni Infantino over "ugly scenes," Diouf found a way to make people smile about what happened on that rainy night in Morocco.

That towel will forever be a symbol of commitment, teamwork, and the hilarious lengths athletes will go to help their team win.