Did Brahim Diaz ‘miss on purpose’ with bizarre penalty in AFCON final

Morocco star Brahim Diaz was left in tears after Edouard Mendy saved his 111th-minute Panenka penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal – but due to the crazy nature of the game did he miss on purpose?

He could have been the hero – but Brahim Diaz turned out to be one of football’s biggest villains. But is all as it seems? Many are wondering if the former Manchester City forward missed the all-important last-minute penalty on purpose.

This is after the mad final saw a 13-minute delay when Senegal’s manager Pape Thiaw pulled his team off the pitch, fuming over a contentious penalty decision. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo was at the heart of the controversy, having disallowed Senegal’s initial goal before awarding a penalty following a minor scuffle in the box.

It seemed to could all end there, but when play resumed, Diaz had the chance to etch his name into Moroccan football history. However, his audacious attempt to chip it down the centre was matched by ex-Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.

But football social media was split on whether he meant to miss. On X SamuelILTC said: “Brahim Diaz was definitely told to miss on purpose because of the decision.”

Football clips added on X: “Justice or he did it on purpose!!!!” and @ice_njabulo added: “Did Diaz miss on purpose or what?”

Another said: “What’s your take, did Brahim Diaz miss this penalty on purpose? In a Final? In the last minute? Score and secure your country their First AFCON in over 3 decades.”

The 26-year-old’s panenka-style spot-kick was thwarted by Edouard Mendy in the 111th minute – with Senegal winning it in extra time.

Diaz’s failed shot marked the end of regular time, and he was comforted by his teammates during the break before extra-time. He was seen in an intense conversation with Real Madrid star Walid Regragui and was substituted just eight minutes into extra-time.

Former Chelsea star Mikel John Obi said: “That is going to haunt him for the rest of his life. He didn’t show the respect the competition deserved.”

Cameras caught the emotional moment as Diaz, tears streaming down his face, covered his mouth with his shirt while watching from the sidelines. Shortly before, the stalemate was finally broken when Pape Gueye netted a stunning opener, putting Senegal ahead.

But all eyes were on Diaz at the side of the pitch with differing theories on what went on.

@_drachenglas said: “No, Brahim Diaz didn’t miss on purpose, else he could have passed it into a goal kick. But he attempted a poor Panenka and missed. Simple. He wanted to be a stylish hero.”

While @ruukayo_ said: “Look at the camera on Brahim Diaz just now. He did not miss on purpose man. And it’s well in his character to try & fail a panenka in the biggest moment of his international football career. Only one football club in the world could breed arrogance like that.”

@Iam_Hunchojayy summed it up with: “Diaz missed on purpose cus he knows it’s not penalty but he was the one protesting for the ref to go check VAR All of you are clowns.”

And in conclusion @MM_Ogwuche may have got it right: “No professional footballer will intentionally miss a trophy winning penalty in the last minute of a match. Brahim Diaz didn’t miss on purpose. That’s the sad thing about the Panenka.”

What do you think? Have your say in the comments below