Senegal's Edouard Mendy Names Best Goalkeeper at 2021 AFCON

• Edouard Mendy was crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon
• However, the Chelsea No.1 contends the honour should have gone to Egypt's Abou Gabal who was equally fantastic
• The Zamalek shot-stopper made eight penalty saves during the tournament as he helped the Pharaohs reach the final

Senegal's Edouard Mendy has claimed Egypt goalkeeper Abou Gabal ‘Gabaski’ should have been named the 2021 AFCON keeper of the tournament.

Mendy picked the award instead after he helped his nation to lift the title for the first time in their history.

The Lions of Teranga were crowned champions following an epic penalty shootout with Egypt after the tie ended in a goalless draw during regulation time.

Mendy's 2021 AFCON form

Despite missing the opening two games of the tournament, Mendy went on to keep three clean sheets in five matches, conceding just twice in the process.

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The Chelsea ace saved one of the five spot-kicks he faced during the shootouts as Senegal stormed to victory.

How did Gabaski fair?

On his part, Gabaski featured in four games for Egypt and conceded just once as he produced some epic performances to lead his country to the final.

The shot-stopper saved eight of the penalties he faced at AFCON – including Sadio Mane's in the final of the tournament.

His spectacular form saw many suggest he should have been named the goalkeeper of the tournament ahead of Mendy.

What Mendy told Gabaski

Interestingly, Mendy holds the same view, with the Chelsea no.1 revealing he told Gabaski as much.

“Gabaski is the best goalkeeper of the tournament, honestly," The Sun quoted the former Lille star saying.

“I spoke to him and I told him he deserves it [to win goalkeeper of the tournament]. And I was really impressed by his tournament," he added.

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Rio declares Mendy best keeper in the world

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Edouard Mendy has earned praise from Rio Ferdinand following Senegal's AFCON triumph in Cameroon.

According to Rio, Mendy is easily one of the best goalkeepers in the world alongside Man City's Ederson and De Gea of Man United.

The Chelsea goalkeeper played a central role in the Lions of Teranga's campaign in the continental campaign.