It is no news that Brahim Diaz missed the controversial penalty awarded to Morocco during the dying minutes of the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal, but the manner of the miss has continued to fuel intense debate across the football world .
Softfootball gathered, the penalty, awarded deep into added time, came at the height of tension. Senegal's players and coaching staff strongly protested the decision, with several briefly leaving the pitch in frustration over what they believed were unfair refereeing calls. It took the calm leadership of Sadio Mane to convince his teammates to return and complete the match .
When play resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the decisive spot kick. Instead of opting for a powerful or placed strike, the Moroccan forward attempted a Panenka penalty, a delicate chip down the middle. The effort failed, and the ball was easily dealt with, turning what could have been a dramatic equaliser into a defining moment of the final.
