AFCON 2025: Video exposes as Moroccan Player Brahim Diaz Misses the Penalty Intentionally

Video shows Brahim Diaz misses penalty deliberately

The AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco descended into chaos deep into stoppage time after Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty awarded to the hosts. The showpiece in Rabat had finished regulation time scoreless, with Senegal earlier denied a late headed goal after Abdoulaye Seck was penalised for a foul on the diving Achraf Hakimi.

Controversy erupted in the 98th minute when the referee pointed to the spot following a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. The call sparked outrage from the Senegal camp, prompting head coach Pape Thiaw to instruct his players to head toward the tunnel in protest.

For several tense minutes, the final teetered on the brink of abandonment as Lions players left the field while officials worked frantically to calm the situation and restore order.

Amid the turmoil, Sadio Mané stepped in. Though he initially looked set to follow his teammates off, the forward instead stayed behind, went into the dressing room, and personally appealed to the squad, persuading them to return to the pitch.

Like a traffic controller, Mané gestured the players back onto the field, and his authority as a 126-cap international was unquestioned. His leadership in guiding Senegal back onto the pitch quickly became one of the night’s most iconic moments.

After a delay of around 16 minutes, play finally resumed. Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty and attempted a Panenka, but Edouard Mendy read it brilliantly and made the save, much to the relief of the Teranga Lions.

A viral video circulating shows how Brahim Diaz penalty miss was deliberate. Many fans believe the Moroccan player missed the penalty deliberately in order to cool tension. https://youtu.be/TlogeBhRw-k