Senegal Secures AFCON Victory Amid Controversial Moments

In the early stages of extra time, Diaz faced significant disappointment as Pape Gueye scored, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead in dramatic fashion at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Gueye unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner from just outside the box, igniting scenes of jubilation among Senegalese fans. Shortly after the goal, Diaz was substituted and appeared visibly emotional as he took his place on the Morocco bench, reflecting on the missed opportunity to become a national hero.

As the match approached the end of the second half’s added time, Diaz fell in the penalty area after contact from Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner kick. Initially, referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala did not award a penalty, but following a VAR review, he changed his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor, angering the Senegal players and coaching staff.

A heated confrontation ensued between both teams on the sidelines, with Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, urging his players to retreat to the dressing room. While most complied, former Liverpool star Sadio Mane attempted to rally his teammates back onto the pitch. For a moment, it appeared that the final could be abandoned; however, the Senegal team eventually returned fully, allowing Diaz to take the penalty in the 114th minute. By this time, he seemed to have overthought his approach, with his shot easily collected by Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

Efan Ekoku, a former Nigerian striker, expressed disbelief at Diaz’s miss while commentating for E4, stating, “What is Brahim Diaz 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.”

Senegal ultimately secured a historic 1-0 victory, marking their second AFCON title five years after their first. In contrast, Morocco’s quest for their inaugural championship continues, with the spotlight on Diaz, who may be viewed as the villain in his homeland. Despite being favorites as hosts, with stars like Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, Morocco could not overcome Senegal in this extraordinary final.