Everton and Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has revealed he was relieved to see Morocco star Brahim Diaz attempt a Panenka penalty during the dramatic closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, believing the moment ultimately swung the contest in Senegal’s favour.
The West African side secured a tense 1-0 victory over Morocco in Rabat on January 18, capturing their second continental title while prolonging the Atlas Lions’ five-decade wait for African glory.
The final descended into controversy when Morocco were awarded a penalty with only two minutes of regulation time remaining.
Senegal players reacted furiously to the decision, briefly threatening to abandon the match before cooler heads prevailed and the game resumed.
Diaz, Morocco’s standout performer throughout the tournament with five goals in seven appearances, stepped forward to take the decisive kick amid immense pressure from a home crowd desperate for success.
Rather than opting for a conventional finish, the Real Madrid attacker attempted an audacious Panenka.
However, his delicate effort lacked precision and was comfortably gathered by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a moment that dramatically shifted momentum.
Senegal capitalised on the reprieve during extra time when midfielder Pape Gueye struck the winner, sparking jubilant celebrations and sealing a historic triumph.
Reflecting on the defining moment, Ndiaye admitted Senegal players sensed opportunity as soon as Diaz approached the spot.
“I felt there was a bit of disrespect. I’m not saying he meant to disrespect us, but it was either that, or he wanted to act like a star after everything that had just happened,” Ndiaye added.
“They hadn’t won it in so many years, and all you had to do was take your chance and score… I’m glad he did. I think after that, we knew we were going to win.”
The emotionally charged finale led to disciplinary action from the Confederation of African Football, with Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw handed a five-match suspension, while Ndiaye and teammate Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting conduct.
Ndiaye admitted the squad experienced intense emotions during the penalty drama but credited talisman Sadio Mane for restoring composure.
