Brahim Diaz was left stunned after his Panenka attempt from the spot was comfortably stopped by Edouard Mendy during Morocco’s 1–0 loss to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final. The Real Madrid midfielder had earned the penalty deep into stoppage time in the second half, with the score still level at 0–0. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded the spot kick for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz.
The decision infuriated the Senegal camp, prompting players to walk off the pitch in protest, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his team to return to the dressing room. What followed was a lengthy interruption of nearly 20 minutes as sections of Senegal supporters hurled objects and clashed with stewards while trying to breach the field of play.
Eventually, Senegal returned to the pitch, seemingly rallied by senior players including Sadio Mane. Once play resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the decisive penalty but opted for a Panenka. The effort proved costly, as Mendy read it perfectly and gathered the ball without much effort.
Morocco coach reflects on the miss
Diaz was withdrawn early in extra time and appeared visibly distraught, engaging in an emotional exchange with Morocco head coach Walid Regragui before breaking down in tears. Speaking after the match, Regragui suggested the prolonged delay may have played on the midfielder’s mind. “He had a lot of time before taking the penalty, which must have affected him,” he said. “But what’s done is done. That’s how he chose to take it, and now we have to move forward.”
Senegal goalkeeper Mendy was also asked about the moment and any exchange with Diaz. He kept it brief, saying, “What we said stays between us. We went through it together and came through together. That’s what matters, and tonight we can be proud.”
The final was ultimately settled in extra time when Papa Gueye produced a stunning strike to seal a dramatic 1–0 win for Senegal in a match that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its decisive moments.
