Rewriting History: Brahim Diaz's Missed Penalty in the AFCON Final
Morocco's star player Brahim Diaz faced heartbreak in the AFCON final against Senegal, missing a crucial penalty in the 114th minute after a controversial decision led to a frantic sequence of events. Here's an in-depth look at what transpired during those tense moments.
Morocco talisman Brahim Diaz missed a 114th-minute penalty against Senegal in the AFCON final after trying a Panenka chip. The Real Madrid ace blew the chance to win the trophy for his country after the Senegal squad had initially stormed off in protest against the initial award of the penalty.Diaz was made to pay early in the first half of extra time, too, as Pape Gueye scored to give Senegal a 1-0 lead in truly extraordinary scenes at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Gueye fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner from just outside the box to spark wild scenes of celebration. Diaz was taken off moments later and looked visibly emotional after taking his place on the Morocco bench, having blown his chance to become a national hero.Deep into second half added time, Diaz went down in the box under contact from Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as a corner was swung in towards the back post.Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala did not give a spot kick initially, but VAR asked for a review, and after consulting the pitchside monitor, he awarded Morocco a penalty, much to the fury of the Senegal players and staff.A furious row erupted between both teams on the touchline and Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players return to the dressing room. The large majority did exactly that, but ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane was among those to try and get his team-mates back onto the pitch. For a moment, it looked like the final might be abandoned, but the Senegal team eventually re-emerged in full, and Diaz was free to take his penalty in the 114th minute. By that time, though, he had clearly been thinking too long about how to execute his kick, which floated harmlessly into the arms of the grateful Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku was among those left in disbelief by Diaz's attempt, as he said while commentating on the game: “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.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
The Build-Up: Drama Unfolds in Extra Time
In a nail-biting encounter, Morocco's talisman Brahim Diaz found himself at the center of attention as he stepped up to take a penalty kick against Senegal. This high-stakes moment came after a contentious decision by the referee and a standoff between the two teams, adding to the already intense atmosphere of the AFCON final.
The Panenka Blunder: Diaz's Missed Opportunity
With the weight of an entire nation's expectations on his shoulders, Diaz attempted a risky Panenka chip for the penalty, aiming to outsmart the goalkeeper. However, his execution fell short, resulting in a feeble shot that was easily saved by the Senegal goalkeeper, leading to collective disbelief among fans and commentators.
Senegal's Resilience and Gueye's Strike
Prior to Diaz's penalty miss, Senegal's Pape Gueye showcased his composure and skill by scoring a remarkable goal in the early stages of extra time. His thunderous strike from outside the box gave Senegal a crucial lead, setting the stage for a tense finale and intensifying the pressure on Diaz.
The Aftermath: Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
As the final whistle blew and Senegal emerged victorious, Diaz was left to grapple with his missed opportunity to clinch glory for Morocco. The emotional toll of the Panenka blunder and the weight of expectations were evident as Diaz reflected on what could have been a defining moment in his career.
Lessons Learned: Embracing Growth from Setbacks
While Brahim Diaz's missed penalty will undoubtedly be a source of regret and scrutiny, it also presents a valuable opportunity for growth and resilience. As fans and pundits alike dissect the events of the AFCON final, Diaz can use this experience to learn, adapt, and emerge stronger in future challenges.
Closing Thoughts: A Defining Chapter in AFCON History
The AFCON final will be remembered not only for the thrilling encounters on the pitch but also for the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded around Brahim Diaz's missed penalty. As the footballing world reflects on this dramatic finale, the story of Diaz's ill-fated Panenka attempt will remain etched in the annals of AFCON history.
