Senegal Midfielder Reveals How Winning AFCON Saved His Career in England

• France-born Senegal midfielder Nampalys Mendy has revealed that winning AFCON helped his career at Leicester City
• Mendy struggled to get playing time since joining the club in 2016, but switching nationalities and playing for Senegal proved vital
• The defensive midfielder starred as Senegal won their first Africa Cup of Nations title in Cameroon early this year

Nampalys Mendy has confessed that switching nationalities and representing Senegal has been essential to his club career.

The France youth international decided to represent Senegal at senior level, where he ended up winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Mendy, the AFCON triumph helped save his Leicester City career after spending most of his time on the bench before the tournament in Cameroon this year.

“It's true that the selection did me a lot of good. I'm always happy to find the selection. We players are also always happy to meet again. I am very proud to wear the colors of Senegal. I think it was seen afterwards," he said as quoted by 13football.com

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Mendy was one of the stars of the Africa Cup on Nations in Cameroon, playing a pivotal role in Senegal's success.

The 29-year-old was also selected for the best eleven at the tournament following his top-notch performances.

After AFCON, Leicester City manager, Brendan Rogers was convinced of the player's quality as he game he more playing time.

Mendy, who was boosted by the AFCON triumph, made 14 English Premier League appearances last season for the Foxes.

The petite midfielder and his Senegal teammate will be one of the countries from the continent to represent Africa at the World Cup later this year.

Senegal beat Egypt to win AFCON 2021

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Senegal are the winners of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Cameroon.

The Lions of Teranga stunned Egypt 4-2 on post-match penalties to win the continental showpiece.

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The thrilling match played at Olembe's Pau Biya Stadium had to be decided via the shootouts after both teams settled for a goalless draw in regulation time.