Brahim Diaz pulled into Morocco-Senegal penalty dispute at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco’s failure to score from two second-half penalties against Senegal has prompted mockery from sections of the Senegalese camp, with Brahim Diaz also drawn into the social media exchange.

The Lionesses of the Atlas secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 on Monday after a goalless draw with Senegal in the final round of Group-stage matches at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

Morocco had two excellent opportunities to take the lead during a dominant spell after the interval, but midfielder Yasmin Mrabet was denied on both occasions by Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.

Mrabet’s first penalty, taken in the 65th minute, was pushed away by Ndiaye close to her right-hand post. The Levante midfielder then had another chance four minutes later, only for the goalkeeper to make another decisive save.

The unusual double miss quickly became a source of amusement for some Senegalese supporters and commentators online. The Teranga Boy account was among those to ridicule Morocco, while also taking aim at Diaz.

The Moroccan forward was the player who famously missed a Panenka against the Lions of Teranga in the final of the men’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in January. The timing of the latest incident attracted further attention because Diaz was celebrating his 27th birthday at the same time.

That coincidence was central to the post shared on X, which used Mrabet’s two failed penalties to revive memories of Diaz’s attempt in the men’s final.

The criticism did not go unanswered. Members of the Moroccan camp responded with accusations of witchcraft, a reaction that recalled the controversy surrounding towels involving Senegal.

Senegal’s involvement in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has now ended, with the team eliminated from the competition. Morocco, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout stage despite failing to find the net in the match.

The result ensured that the hosts progressed from the group phase, while Ndiaye’s performance stood out as Senegal resisted Morocco’s pressure. Her two penalty saves prevented the Lionesses of the Atlas from claiming victory, but the draw was enough for Morocco to continue their campaign.

The online exchanges have added an off-field dimension to a match that was ultimately decided by defensive resilience and goalkeeping rather than attacking quality. Mrabet’s two attempts, separated by only four minutes, became the defining moments of the contest and the focus of reaction from both sides.

Diaz’s involvement was not connected to the women’s match itself, but his previous penalty miss gave Senegalese social media users a familiar reference point as they mocked Morocco. The response from the Moroccan side, including the allegations of witchcraft, ensured the incident continued to generate debate after the final whistle.