“Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy is the last piece missing for Senegal to win AFCON” – Demba Ba

By Kalu Onyemaechi

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was in superlative form to keep a rampaging Brentford in check in the Blues 1-0 Premier League win over their London rivals on Saturday and compatriot Demba Ba, impressed by his excellent performance has been unsparing in showering praises on his countryman, describing him as the final piece missing in Senegal’s elusive bid for the African Cup of Nations.

The 36-year-old former Senegal international, also a former Chelsea striker, took to his Twitter handle to express his admiration. “I guess that was one of the last piece missing for Senegal to win Africa Cup of Nations”, he said.

Chelsea endured a nerve-wracking bombardment by Brentford after going ahead through Ben Chilwell’s stunning effort in first half stoppage but, time and again, Mendy was the obstacle that stood between the Bees and goal.

Mendy deservedly won the Man of the Match award with 6 saves under his belt in a single match. It is the joint highest in a Premier League match after racking up 20 clean sheets in 38 appearances for the Blues.

Mendy’s overall save ratio is a breathtaking 73.3 per cent. Only Petr Cech, Pepe Reina and Alison Becker have made fewer appearances to keep their first 20 Premier League clean sheets.

The Lions of Teranga have yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations in 16 appearances. They came close twice in 2002 when Cameroon beat them in the final 3-2 on penalties, and in 2019 when Algeria narrowly beat them 0-1 after 90 minutes.

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