Softfootball understands that Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco in the African Cup of Nations final has left a deep mark on the tournament, and much of the post-match conversation has centred on one defining moment.
With the score level late in normal time, Morocco were handed a golden chance to win the final after being awarded a penalty in the 90th minute. Brahim Diaz stepped up and attempted a Panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy read it perfectly and made the save.
The match went to extra time, where Idrissa Gueye struck the decisive goal to hand Senegal the title. That missed penalty quickly became the focal point of the final. Diaz has since faced intense backlash, with criticism pouring in from all corners.
After the game, as reported by football journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, the Moroccan midfielder shared an emotional apology message alongside a video to supporters, a message that only fuelled more debate online.
He posted:
Brahim Diaz statement. My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you all gave me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else. Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound doesn’t heal easily… but I will try. Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and for everyone who suffered with me. I will keep going forward until one day I can give you all this love back and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people.
Watch the video below:
Some reactions defended Diaz while questioning the wider handling of African football. Queen Bee (@RealQueenBee__), appearing to suggest conspiracy and unfair scapegoating.
She wrote:
CAF and African Football MUST do better. It’s quite unfortunate that Brahim Diaz was make the escape goat that cleaned up the mess. He was asked to miss the penalty so as not to ruin the turnament and embarass Africa at the world stage.
Others responded with sarcasm and suspicion. Malik (@TheMahleek) seemed to mock the apology while implying that some people in Mushin said the miss was deliberate.
He posted:
You failed?? People that watched your penalty from Mushin said you missed intentionally o, how we go do am like this??
Some fans were far less forgiving. Jaredad (@_Jaredad) criticised Diaz’s decision-making and compared him unfavourably to a past African legend that missed a very crucial penalty.
He said:
Next time don’t try to humiliate a goal keeper with panenka… U are not Zidane U failed your country by trying that nonsense stunt They won’t forgive u We forgave Asamoah Gyang cos he never tried a panenka and played a good penalty that hit the goal post U failed bro U really failed Next time u don’t try that panenka, it is not for small bois Go and sin no more [but ur sin isn’t still forgiven]
The strongest reaction came from THE BOLD ONE (@MrBoldOne), whose post went beyond Diaz and targeted the entire Moroccan team and officials.
He mentioned:
All Morocco players and officials should be suspended from playing international football. They are cheats, wanted to win football in a HARAM way I hope the towels they were trying to steal from Mendy, they have used them to wipe their tears.
Amid the criticism, there were also voices acknowledging Senegal’s achievement. Seun Akinsanya (@mrboboskie) appeared to encourage Diaz while stressing that the better team ultimately won.
He concluded:
Keep going forward bro, bcos the trophy doesn’t belong to your team but the truth hurts. Senegal worked for it.
What was meant to be a moment of glory for Senegal has instead also become a painful chapter for Brahim Diaz, one miss, one decision, and a wave of reaction that continues to grow.
