Senegal Star Condemns Brahim Diaz's Panenka Penalty Attempt in AFCON 2025 Final
In a dramatic turn of events following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal attacker Iliman Ndiaye has publicly criticized Moroccan star Brahim Diaz for his decision to attempt a Panenka penalty during the crucial match. The final, held on January 18, 2026, saw Senegal emerge victorious with a late goal from Pape Gueye, but it was Diaz's missed penalty that has sparked controversy and debate among football fans and players alike.
Chaotic Final Moments and Penalty Drama
The AFCON 2025 final descended into chaos when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to the host nation, leading to a brief pitch exit by players. After intervention from senior figures like Sadio Mane, the match resumed, setting the stage for Diaz's fateful penalty attempt. As reported by Flash Score, Diaz opted for a Panenka-style penalty, which Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved, much to the relief of the Teranga Lions.
Minutes later, Pape Gueye scored a brilliant strike to secure the trophy for Senegal, capping off a tense and unpredictable finale. This sequence of events has since become a focal point for post-match analysis, with Ndiaye's comments adding fuel to the fire.
Ndiaye's Strong Words on Diaz's Decision
During an interview with Times Sports, Iliman Ndiaye did not hold back in his assessment of Diaz's penalty choice. The Everton star revealed that he and his teammates were fervently praying for Diaz to miss, and their wishes were granted. "We were just saying he was going to miss. I was praying, saying, 'He's going to miss, he's going to miss,'" Ndiaye stated.
He went further to label the Panenka attempt as disrespectful, suggesting that Diaz might have been trying to act like a star in a high-pressure situation. "I felt there was a bit of disrespect. I'm not saying he meant to disrespect us, but it was either that, or he wanted to act like a star after everything that had just happened," Ndiaye added. He expressed confusion over why Diaz would take such a risk when a more direct approach could have secured victory for Morocco, emphasizing his relief at the outcome.
Ndiaye's Role and Subsequent Sanctions
Iliman Ndiaye played a pivotal role in Senegal's AFCON 2025 campaign, scoring a crucial goal in the quarter-final against Mali to help his team advance to the semi-finals. However, his involvement in the final was marred by unsporting behavior, leading to sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ndiaye received a two-match ban for his actions towards referee Ndala during the match in Rabat.
He was not alone in facing disciplinary action; fellow Premier League player Ismailia Sarr also received a two-match ban, while Moroccan stars Achraf Hakimi and Ismail Saibari were handed two and three-match bans, respectively. These sanctions highlight the intense and sometimes contentious nature of the final.
Broader Context and Diaz's Recent Clashes
The controversy surrounding Brahim Diaz extends beyond the AFCON final. Reports indicate that the Real Madrid winger recently clashed with his Moroccan international teammate Illias Akhomach during a Spanish La Liga match. The heated exchange required intervention from teammates to separate the two, adding another layer to Diaz's tumultuous period.
This incident underscores the high stakes and emotional intensity of international football, where moments like penalty decisions can define careers and ignite fierce debates. As fans and analysts continue to dissect the AFCON 2025 final, Ndiaye's criticism serves as a reminder of the fine line between brilliance and folly in the beautiful game.
