Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye has reignited debate over the penalty kick taken by Moroccan star Brahim Diaz during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.
The final, played on January 18, appeared destined for extra time before a series of dramatic decisions altered the course of the match.
Moments before the end of regulation time, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala ruled out a Senegal goal after awarding a foul against Achraf Hakimi prior to the ball crossing the line.
Minutes later, the referee returned to the video assistant referee system and awarded a penalty to Morocco after reviewing the incident himself.
The decision sparked strong protests from Senegalese players and the technical bench, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, who reportedly demanded that his players leave the pitch in protest. Tensions escalated further as some Senegal supporters entered the field, leading to scenes of disorder and forcing a lengthy stoppage in play.
Although the Lions of Teranga players initially walked off the pitch, team captain Sadio Mane intervened and urged his teammates to return and complete the match.
Once play resumed, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the decisive penalty but opted for a weak Panenka-style effort down the middle, allowing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to catch the ball with ease.
The referee blew for full time immediately after the miss, sending the match into extra time. Senegal ultimately clinched the title after Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute with a powerful strike.
Reflecting on the incident, Ndiaye did not hide his feelings about Diaz’s choice from the spot.
“I found it somewhat disrespectful. I’m not saying he wanted to belittle us, but either that, or he wanted to act like a star after everything that happened,” he said.
Speaking to the British newspaper The Times, Ndiaye added, “I don’t know if I will do it or not. But you are just minutes away from becoming the king of your country.”
He continued, “They hadn’t won for many years, and all you had to do was score. So I don’t understand why he did it, but I’m glad he did it that way.”
