The Controversial Penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations Final: An Analysis

The aftermath of Sunday’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final has centered around a pivotal moment that arguably cost Morocco the title. In the 24th minute of stoppage time, following a prolonged delay caused by a walk-off from the Senegal team, Diaz stepped up to take a penalty that could have ended the host nation’s 50-year trophy drought. Instead, he attempted a delicate chip down the center, which was easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Speaking on RMC Sport, former France international Rothen did not shy away from critiquing the incident. While recognizing that missed penalties are part of the game, Rothen argued that the manner in which Diaz attempted the shot was inexcusable given the match’s context and the urgency felt by the home crowd.

“He can cry all he wants,” Rothen stated. “When you opt for a penalty in that fashion, at that moment, with all the pressure involved… You had 70,000 Moroccans in the stadium, not to mention the millions watching from home. They have waited 50 years for this opportunity. If you score this penalty, it’s game over. You can miss a penalty; it happens to even the greatest players, but to do it in this way is scandalous.”

Rothen further suggested that the decision to execute a Panenka stemmed from a desire for personal glory rather than simply securing a win. He argued that such a technique is premeditated and, in a situation of such national significance, indicates a misunderstanding of the moment’s gravity.

“Too bad for him; he didn’t respect football,” Rothen continued. “He aimed to humiliate the Senegalese. When you take a Panenka, it is intentional—you want to embarrass them. That approach to the penalty was self-serving, suggesting, ‘I made Morocco win.’ That mentality is problematic.”

The criticism was echoed by Herve Renard, the former Morocco head coach, who possesses a deep affinity for the Atlas Lions. Known for his strict discipline and emotional acuity, Renard reflected Rothen’s disapproval of Diaz’s lack of seriousness at such a critical juncture.

Renard expressed a firm stance on the responsibilities of a star player in a final. “We have the right to miss a penalty, but in this instance, I am unequivocal and unyielding,” he stated. “It is a disservice to an entire country and a people seeking success for 50 years.”

He drew parallels to a similar incident during the Arab Cup, where he managed a player who attempted a Panenka and failed. “Everything in proportion, I experienced the same situation at the Arab Cup against Morocco. One of my players, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, completely missed his Panenka. I instructed him to join me at the press conference and apologize.”

The unsuccessful penalty was the climax of a tumultuous sequence that nearly led to the abandonment of the final. The penalty itself was contentious, awarded after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consulted the VAR monitor to penalize El Hadji Malick Diouf for a challenge on Diaz deep in stoppage time.

This decision incited outrage among the Senegal squad, who had previously seen an opening goal disallowed for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi. Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the Senegal players staged a walk-off in protest, delaying the match for 14 minutes until talisman Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return to the pitch.

When play finally resumed in the 24th minute of added time, Diaz’s failed Panenka granted a psychological advantage to the visitors. Having averted what could have been a last-minute defeat, Senegal regrouped in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to claim the trophy and silence the home crowd in Rabat.