Egypt’s Gabaski deserved to be goalkeeper of the tournament – Senegal goalie Edouard Mendy

Senegal shot-stopper Eduard Mendy believes Egyptian goalkeeper Mohammed Abou Gabal known in football circles as ‘Gabaski’ deserved to be named as the tournament’s best goalkeeper at the just ended 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Chelsea goalie was given the award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper, with Senegal winning the competition for the first time in their history.

The Egyptian shot-stopper was the hero when the Pharaohs silenced hosts, Cameroon, in the semifinal last Thursday as he saved two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out against Cameroon.

Before their game against Cameroon, Egypt had beaten the Elephants of Ivory Coast on penalty too, with Gabaski saving one of the Ivoirians’ kicks.

In the final, Gabaski who plies his trade for Zamalek saved Sadio Mane’s penalty on the 7th minute but unfortunately lost the cup on penalty shoot-outs to Senegal.

Despite being given the award, Mendy believes the Egyptian was the best goalkeeper of the tournament,

“Gabaski is the best goalkeeper of the tournament, honestly. 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,” Mendy told Egyptian TV station MBC after the final.

Gabaski was voted the man of the match at the end of the game against Senegal after making eight saves in 120 minutes of action.