Chelsea star Edouard Mendy once again inflicted misery on Mohamed Salah and Egypt. The goalkeeper put on another stellar performance to help Senegal make it to this year’s World Cup tournament. However, Mendy and Senegal booked their ticket at the cost of Mohamed Salah’s Egypt. Moreover, Senegal came from behind to pip Egypt and qualify for the prestigious international tournament, which will be held in Qatar this year.
Amidst all this, Edouard Mendy continues to impress between the sticks. Be it for Chelsea or Senegal, Mendy has proved his mettle time and time again. The ‘keeper enjoyed historic success as his nation will play in a second consecutive world cup for the first time in their history. The play-off was a repeat of this year’s African Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Egypt. Senegal triumphed again, this time creating history.
While Egypt on the other hand will miss out on the world cup after appearing in the 2018 edition. Mohamed Salah will be disheartened after failing to lead his team to Qatar. Moreover, the Reds’ forward was again on the disappointing end, after he lost the African Cup of Nations in February to Senegal as well. His Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane seems to haunt him on the international stage with Senegal.
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy makes Senegal proud again
Mendy’s Senegal had an uphill task, trailing 1-0 to Egypt in the second leg. However, their home advantage counted in their success as well. Egypt crumbled under the pressure, netting an own goal right in the fourth minute from the kick-off. The score remained 1-1 on aggregate throughout the whole game, as neither the extra-time could separate the two sides.
The tie headed for a penalty shoot-out, as it did in the Africa Cup of Nations final. A wacky contest ensued from the 12-yards between the two teams. It seemed no one wanted their place at the world cup. Both of them missed their first two spot-kicks, failing to break the deadlock here as well. Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly hit the crossbar before agony waited for Salah.
Mohamed Salah rocketed his spot-kick, while the Senegal fans flashed laser lights at the Egypt captain. Chelsea shot-stopper Mendy then worked his magic. The ‘keeper excellently kept out Egyptian Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty.
Mendy’s save meant Senegal had the chance to clinch their spot by scoring the next one. In a mind-blowing repeat of events, Sadio Mane once again came clutch for his national team. Salah’s Liverpool teammate had scored the AFCON’s winning spot-kick, and this time too, slotted from the spot sending Senegal to their third ever world cup, and Egypt home.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will be upbeat having Edouard Mendy in stellar form. Mendy won the Africa Cup of Nations last month, while also being named the best ‘keeper of the tournament. The award coupled with Mendy winning FIFA’s Best men’s goalkeeper of the year in January. Chelsea and Mendy next face Brentford in the league before welcoming Real Madrid in the Champions League. The Blues will be hoping for another masterclass from Mendy.
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