New Delhi, Jan. 20 -- Senegal has an unlikely new hero, and he did not even play in the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final won by his country.

In a bizarre turn of events, Senegal's second-choice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf spent long spells of Sunday's match protecting the towels used by starting keeper Edouard Mendy from repeated attempts by ball boys to snatch them.

Diouf's efforts have been praised by fans as being almost as crucial as the extra-time winning goal scored by Pape Gueye, which secured Senegal's second Africa Cup of Nations title.

Goalkeepers often keep towels close to them to wipe themselves and their gloves, especially in wet conditions such as those during Sunday's final in Rabat.

Diouf had a crucial role on the side...