When 21-year-old El Hadji Malick Diouf won the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, he fulfilled a childhood dream.
In 2022, when Senegal celebrated its first-ever AFCON, Diouf was 17 years old, chasing an open-top bus as history-making heroes paraded around Dakar.
Four years on, when Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in one of the most extraordinary games in world football, he has made history alongside his heroes.
But it almost wasn’t. In the 98th minute, just after Senegal were denied a goal for a soft foul in the build-up towards the end of stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty for a soft challenge as well.
A VAR check determined that Diouf had dragged Brahim Diaz to the ground at a corner. Senegal walked out in protest at what they felt were unfair actions by the relevant authorities, and chaos ensued.
But after 17 minutes of uncertainty, Senegal finally came back ready to accept whatever direction their fate took. Every player who worked for and dreamed of Diouf dreamed of seeing Diaz thrown off balance as he stepped up to take the final kick of the match.
“I was sad because I was thinking about the Senegalese people, the fans and my family,” Diouf told Sky Sports as he reflected on his emotions.
“I don’t know what they were like at that moment. Everyone was crying. You can’t give away a penalty in the 98th minute.
“As a young player, it wasn’t easy. But God’s plan, no one can change that.”
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A complete look at the unusual scenes between Morocco and Senegal in the AFCON final, including player protests, last-minute penalty mistakes, and stolen towels.
Dias’ Panenka shot was embarrassingly caught by an unfazed Edouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time, with Senegal winning with a fine goal from Papu Gueye. For Diouf, it was more than a relief.
“It was just amazing. It was a dream. For me, for the people, for the country, for my family, because they were waiting for that moment (to win AFCON).
Senegal coach Pape Tiao and his Moroccan players were fined more than £732,000 and suspended for disturbing scenes during the final. But Diouf felt immense pride in his teammates. His teammates showed unity and leadership, and they returned to the tournament by finishing in first place in the final under testing conditions.
“For me it was an away match,” Diouf told Sky Sports.
“It was really, really difficult. But as far as teammates and leadership, we have a lot of leaders. As a young player, you don’t need pressure. You don’t need it. I just play my football.”
“I do what I have to do on the pitch and you’ll see the results. So that’s what I follow.”
“And we are champions. So I think that was the most important thing. I’m proud of myself and I’m proud of my teammates. This was our goal!”
Diouf gifted a penalty in the 98th minute, which was later missed by Morocco’s Brahim Dias.
The AFCON win was sensational, but not surprising, for Diouf, who is a goal-scorer. This is a victory he believed he could achieve even before the tournament began.
Now back in London, he returns to his club West Ham, who are fighting to stay in the league. The Hammers sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but their fate is beginning to appear at the London Stadium.
Diouf returned at a more positive time for the team, and upon his return to the team the Hammers beat Sunderland for a third consecutive win. The mood is high in east London and Diouf hopes the energy from their surprise AFCON victory will improve West Ham’s chances of survival.
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“I was really happy to be back. Sunderland, just come back for one day and we can win again.
“I want to bring that winning mentality that I have to my teammates, because we need that at the moment, because we want to move up (in the standings).”
“We have to do well every week, so now is the time to do it.
“Coach. He believes in us. He believes in the players. I have confidence. I have confidence in myself. And I always know, now I’m on the pitch, I’m free and I’ll give all my energy to this team.”
“Does this performance feel like a turning point in the season? Absolutely, because I said everything could change.
“I don’t know about the moment, but of course everything can change. We are in a very good place right now, so I think we have to stay focused to be consistent.”
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He is only 21 years old and is the champion of Africa. Diouf will feel like he has the world at his feet. But his next goal is clear.
“My only goal at the moment until the end of the season is to keep West Ham in the Premier League.
“That’s it. I’m going to put all my energy into this team because they don’t deserve to go down.”
“They (the fans) don’t deserve it. So I’m going to put all the energy I have into it. What I don’t have, I’m going to go to work and bring it for the team.”
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