Brahim Diaz misses 114th-minute penalty as Morocco fall to Senegal in dramatic AFCON final

Diaz’s night went from bad to worse early in extra time when Pape Gueye struck to give Senegal a 1-0 lead at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Gueye unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from outside the box, sparking wild celebrations. Diaz was substituted shortly after and appeared visibly emotional on the Morocco bench, having missed an opportunity to become a national hero. 

Late in the second half of extra time, Diaz went down in the box under contact from Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner delivery toward the back post. 

Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala initially waved play on, but after a VAR review at the pitchside monitor, he awarded Morocco a penalty. Senegal’s players and staff reacted furiously. 

A tense confrontation broke out on the touchline, and Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team to leave for the dressing room. Most players complied, though ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane tried to bring some back onto the pitch. Chaos continued in the Senegal section of the stadium, with a steward reportedly injured during the altercations. 

For a brief moment, it seemed the final might be abandoned. The Senegal team eventually returned, and Diaz stepped up to take the 114th-minute penalty. By then, however, he had clearly overthought his approach, and his Panenka floated harmlessly into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

‘Too clever for his own good’
Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku expressed disbelief while commentating for E4: “What is Brahim Diaz doing? What is he doing? I cannot believe he has done that. Too clever for his own good. To do that is absolutely ridiculous. He may never ever get another chance to score a winning goal in an AFCON final.”

Senegal secure second AFCON title
Senegal held on for a 1-0 victory after extra time, claiming their second AFCON crown five years after their first. Morocco’s 50-year wait to lift the trophy continues, and Diaz will likely be seen as the villain at home. Morocco were the favourites as hosts, boasting stars like Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, but Senegal managed to outlast them in a remarkable final.