Morocco’s Women’s AFCON progress sparks Senegal penalty taunts over Brahim Diaz

Morocco’s place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals has been overshadowed by a social media dispute after two missed penalties against Senegal revived memories of Brahim Diaz’s failure in the men’s final.

The Atlas Lionesses drew 0-0 with Senegal at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Monday, a result that secured their passage to the last eight of the 2026 tournament.

Morocco had the chance to claim victory during a dominant spell in the second half, when they were awarded two penalties. Midfielder Yasmine Mrabet took both, but Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye saved each effort and emerged as the outstanding player of the match.

Ndiaye kept out the first attempt in the 65th minute, diving to her right to push Mrabet’s shot away near the post. Four minutes later, she denied the same player again from the second spot-kick, preserving Senegal’s clean sheet.

The double miss prompted a strong reaction online, with some Senegalese supporters and commentators using the incident to mock Morocco.

The Senegalese account “Teranga Boy” was among those to draw a comparison with Brahim Diaz, recalling the Morocco international’s penalty miss against Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Diaz attempted a Panenka in that match, lifting the ball towards the centre of the goal in an effort to deceive Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The attempt failed to produce a goal.

The comparison gained further attention because Mrabet’s two misses came on the same day as Diaz’s 27th birthday. Some followers viewed the timing as an ironic coincidence and used it to bring the men’s final back into the discussion.

According to Africa Soccer, a publication covering sporting developments across the continent, the online mockery was met with a response from Morocco. Some Moroccan reactions included accusations of witchcraft, referring to an earlier controversy involving Senegal and the so-called “towels” affair during previous competition.

Despite the draw, Morocco advanced to the knockout stage, while Senegal were eliminated after finishing their group campaign.

The latest exchange is linked to the disputed conclusion of the men’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final, but Morocco were subsequently awarded the title through an administrative decision.

Senegal have appealed that ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). A decision from the court is expected in October, with the outcome still being awaited by both sides.