Brahim Diaz was left in tears after a failed Panenka-style penalty proved the turning point as Morocco’s long wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations title ended in dramatic and chaotic fashion against Senegal.
With the final still goalless deep into stoppage time, the Real Madrid midfielder won a contentious penalty that offered the tournament hosts a golden chance to clinch their first continental crown since 1976.
The decision, confirmed by VAR, sparked immediate controversy. Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest, with head coach Pape Thiaw ordering his team back to the dressing room, bringing the final to a standstill for 16 minutes.
Order was eventually restored after intervention from Senegal captain Sadio Mane, and play resumed with Diaz stepping up to take the decisive kick.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then engaged the 26-year-old in prolonged conversation, further delaying the moment.
When the penalty was finally taken, Diaz opted for a delicate Panenka attempt in the 24th minute of added time.
The execution lacked conviction and was comfortably caught by Mendy, drawing a stunned reaction from the Rabat crowd.
The miss proved costly. With the match pushed into extra time, Senegal seized control and struck in the 94th minute through Pape Sarr,
whose powerful effort sealed a 1-0 victory and shattered Moroccan hopes on home soil.
Diaz, substituted shortly after Senegal’s goal, cut a distraught figure at full-time.
His anguish was clear as he collected the tournament’s Golden Boot award from Fifa president Gianni Infantino, having finished as top scorer with five goals.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the psychological weight of the moment on his player.
“He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him,” said Regragui.
“But we can’t change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forwards now.”
Mendy, central to the decisive moment, declined to reveal the nature of his exchange with Diaz.
“What did we say to each other? That’s between us. We did it together and we came back together, that’s all that matters. We can be proud tonight,” he said.
Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel expressed concern for Diaz, warning that the miss could overshadow an otherwise outstanding tournament.
“To do that it spoils everything Brahim Diaz has done well in this tournament. He is going to be devastated. This is going to be tough on him, for weeks, for months,” Mikel told E4.
“Again, it is a shame to see. Brahim Diaz has had a superb tournament. He scored five goals and he has been the star man. It is sad to see him do such a thing. Just put your foot through it.”
