Brahim Díaz, the Morocco and Real Madrid player, missed a crucial penalty in the 114th minute of the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, after he struck a weak shot that goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved easily. The penalty could have given Morocco the title they are hosting, but it was wasted in a moment that left spectators astonished.
The penalty came after a VAR review, when Díaz fell inside the box following contact with Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf from a corner, and referee Jean-Jacques Ndala pointed to the spot after consulting the monitor, amid protests from Senegal players. Before that, Pape Gueye had opened the scoring for Senegal in the first period of extra time with a powerful shot from outside the area, before Díaz was substituted and appeared affected on the bench.
Context of the final and what it means for Moroccan fans
The incident saw tension on the touchline, as Senegal coach Pape Thiaw directed his players to withdraw towards the dressing rooms, and most of them responded before returning to complete the match. After the save, the penalty went down as a miss for Díaz, who had been a candidate to become a national hero on a night hosted at the Rabat stadium. This scene comes at a time when the player is experiencing a different reality with his club, where he is often absent from the starting lineup and comes on as a substitute amid strong competition for his position.
On the statistical front, Díaz has played only 178 minutes for Real Madrid this season across 10 matches, starting two of them, with his last appearance on 15 September when he came on as a substitute against Elche. Press reports suggest that the player may consider a loan move in January in search of more minutes, amid interest from other clubs in his services.
InfoSport numbers
- The 114th minute is the timing of the missed penalty in the continental final.
- Díaz has played only 178 minutes for Real Madrid this season in 10 matches.
- He has started two of 10 matches with the club.
Here is a summary of the key details of the match and the moment that decided the title in Senegal’s favour.
