Brahim Díaz’s penalty miss defines the Africa Cup of Nations final

The name Brahim Díaz became inseparably linked to one of the most controversial and painful moments of the Africa Cup of Nations final. The attacker missed a decisive penalty in the 114th minute, attempting a Panenka that ended calmly in the hands of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy—a single action that shifted the course of the match and ultimately the title.

Morocco national football team were desperately chasing an equalizer against Senegal national football team after falling behind during extra time. Díaz had the chance to become a national hero, but his decision proved fatal. The incident originated from a VAR review for contact inside the box on Díaz himself. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty, sparking furious protests from the Senegal bench and players—so intense that the match briefly teetered on the edge of suspension.

After several tense minutes and heated discussions, play resumed and Díaz stepped up to the spot, facing one of the heaviest moments a footballer can encounter. Instead of opting for power or placement, Brahim Díaz chose a Panenka. The execution was slow, predictable and lacked precision. Mendy stood his ground, waited until the last moment and caught the ball with ease, triggering disbelief throughout the stadium.

The aftermath was immediate. Díaz was substituted shortly afterward and was seen visibly shaken on the bench, fully aware he had let a historic opportunity slip away for Morocco in a continental final. The failed Panenka not only denied Morocco the equalizer; it became the defining image of the final itself.

A split second of overconfidence outweighed everything that had come before—leaving Brahim Díaz marked by one of the most costly decisions of his career and sealing Senegal’s path to glory.