Brahim Díaz’s failed panenka penalty proved decisive as Morocco fell 1-0 to Senegal in extra time on January 18, 2026, missing their chance to claim a second AFCON title in 50 years.
The Real Madrid forward’s 114th-minute spot-kick, chipped tamely into the arms of Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, squandered Morocco’s best opportunity to break the deadlock in a tightly contested final.
Díaz, who had scored five goals to win the Golden Boot but saw his chance for a sixth goal slip through his fingers AS Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner minutes later sealed Morocco’s fate.
The penalty itself came amid high controversy. In the second minute of stoppage time, Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Ismaïla Sarr headed home, only for the referee to rule out the goal for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi in the buildup.
Minutes later, during a Morocco corner kick in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Senegal full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf tugged Díaz to the ground. After a VAR review, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty. The decision sparked outrage among Senegal’s players, who walked off the pitch in protest, causing a 14-16 minute delay. Only after captain Sadio Mané convinced his teammates to return did play resume, setting the stage for Díaz’s crucial miss.
When the moment arrived, Díaz opted for audacity over power, attempting a panenka that backfired spectacularly. Mendy read the attempt and gathered the ball comfortably, keeping the match scoreless and forcing extra time.
Díaz’s tournament had been exceptional until that moment. The 25-year-old forward emerged as Morocco’s leading light, scoring five goals to claim the Golden Boot award.
He had been instrumental in Morocco’s run to the final, showcasing the form that made him one of Real Madrid’s most exciting talents. But in the final’s most crucial moment, his decision to attempt the audacious chip turned him from hero to zero.
Morocco had reached the final after a strong tournament campaign but failed to capitalize on their chances when it mattered most. The Atlas Lions were seeking their second AFCON title, having previously won the tournament in 1976. Despite defender Achraf Hakimi’s stellar performances throughout the competition, Morocco could not find a way past Senegal’s defense.
The penalty miss haunted Morocco as Senegal seized control in extra time. Gueye’s winning goal completed Senegal’s triumph and left Morocco to rue what might have been had Díaz chosen a more conventional approach from the spot.
For Díaz, the Golden Boot award will offer little consolation. His five goals throughout the tournament showcased his clinical finishing, but the one that mattered most – the chance to add a sixth and potentially win Morocco the title – escaped him in the most agonizing fashion. The transformation from tournament hero to final villain happened in a matter of seconds, a panenka attempt that will haunt Moroccan football for years to come.
Senegal won their second AFCON title with a 1-0 extra-time victory, while Morocco’s wait for a second continental championship continues.
