He was in tears after Brahim Diaz’s ‘Panenka’ penalty in the chaotic final against Senegal denied Morocco its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years.
The Real Madrid midfielder won a penalty after going scoreless in second-half stoppage time to give the Atlas Lions a golden chance to clinch the continental title.
advertise
However, Senegal responded to the VAR decision by staging an exit protest, with head coach Papou Thiaw ordering his players back to the dressing room after a 16-minute break.
When the Senegalese players finally emerged from the tunnel after being persuaded by talisman Sadio Mane, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s persistent words to the 26-year-old further delayed the penalty.
Diaz inexplicably took the penalty on “Panenka” in the 24th minute of stoppage time, and his feeble penalty fell meekly into the arms of Mendy.
With the game forced into overtime, Papou Sarr scored the winning goal for Senegal in the 94th minute, his rocket shot proving the difference and giving Senegal their first African Cup of Nations title since 1976.
advertise
The midfielder, who was substituted early in extra time, was in tears throughout the game and looked dejected as he accepted the Golden Boot award from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose five goals were enough to finish the game as top scorer.
Brahim Diaz missed a penalty kick in the 24th minute of stoppage time, missing out on a chance to win the Africa Cup of Nations final (AFP/Getty Images)
Asked about his encounter with Diaz before the penalty, Mendy replied: “What did we say to each other? It’s between us. We did it together, we came back together and that’s what matters. We can be proud tonight.”
Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel fears the impact his performances could have on the player who has seen an otherwise brilliant Africa Cup of Nations season ruined.
advertise
“Doing this would destroy everything Brahim Diaz has done in this tournament. He will be destroyed. It will be difficult for him for weeks, months,” Mikel told E4.
“It’s a shame to see that again. Brahim Diaz had a great game. He scored five goals and he’s been a star. It’s sad to see him do something like this. As long as you face it with your feet.”
