Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final heartbreak was sealed in dramatic fashion as Brahim Díaz’s late Panenka-style penalty miss paved the way for Senegal’s 1–0 victory in a tense and controversial showdown.
The Real Madrid midfielder won a penalty deep into second-half stoppage time with the score locked at 0–0. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded the spot-kick for a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malik Diouf. The decision sparked intense protests from Senegal players, who briefly walked off the pitch on the instructions of head coach Pape Thiaw.
Chaotic Scenes Delay AFCON Final
The match was halted for nearly 20 minutes after unrest in the stands, with some Senegal supporters throwing objects and clashing with stewards while attempting to enter the field of play. Order was eventually restored, and Senegal players returned, rallying around leaders such as Sadio Mané.
When play resumed, Díaz stepped up to take the penalty. Opting for a Panenka, the attempt lacked deception and was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who barely had to move.
Díaz Left Devastated After Miss
Díaz was substituted early in extra time and appeared visibly emotional on the sidelines, engaging in a brief exchange with Morocco head coach Walid Regragui before breaking down in tears.
Speaking after the match, Regragui said the delay may have played a role in the outcome.
“He had a lot of time before taking the penalty, which must have disturbed him,” the coach said.
“But we can’t change what happened. That is how he chose to take it. We need to look forward now.”
Mendy Reflects as Senegal Clinch Title
Asked about his exchange with Díaz after the miss, Mendy kept details private.
“What we said stays between us,” he said. “We did it together, and we came back together. That’s what matters. We can be proud tonight.”
Senegal finally broke the deadlock in extra time, when Papa Gueye scored a stunning winner to secure a 1–0 triumph and crown Senegal AFCON champions after a final marked by controversy, tension, and high drama.
