The Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, was always destined to be heavy with history. Morocco, playing at home, were chasing their first continental title in 50 years.
Senegal, champions in 2021, were aiming to win a second AFCON in the last three tournaments and cement their place among Africa’s modern greats. The stakes could not have been higher.
For long spells, the final lived up to its billing. Tight, tense, and tactical, it looked set to drift into extra time until a dramatic late twist changed everything.
Deep into stoppage time, Brahim Díaz went down in the Senegal penalty box after a pull. The referee was sent to the VAR monitor and, after review, pointed to the spot.
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That decision ignited chaos. Heads boiled on the Senegal bench and on the pitch.
Moments earlier, Senegal had seen a goal ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, a decision they felt was harsh. In their view, the penalty awarded was another injustice.
Players and the entire Senegal technical team left the field in furious protest, leaving the match suspended until Sadio Mané intervened and convinced his teammates to return.
Only then did the game resume and only then did Díaz step up.
What followed has kept football fans debating long after the final whistle. Díaz stepped up to take the penalty as the stadium held its breath. Instead of a powerful strike, the ball ended in Édouard Mendy’s hands.
Almost instantly, theories began to circulate. Some argue that Morocco, desperate for a first AFCON in 50 years and playing on home soil, had given Díaz no room for error, that the pressure of the moment and the advancing Moroccan players rushing into the box meant the miss was purely unintentional.
Others read the scene differently. Senegal had briefly left the pitch in protest before returning, and some suggest the delay may have allowed Díaz and his teammates to discuss the penalty in some way.
Observers also noted that the Senegal players did not immediately celebrate with Mendy after he made the save, a rare reaction for a last-minute stop in a final. To some, this indicated a belief that the outcome of the penalty had already been determined.
Yet, there are equally plausible explanations for all these interpretations. The charged atmosphere, the protests, and the tension on both sides created a moment open to interpretation, and the reactions of players and fans only added layers to the debate.
In the end, the truth of what happened in that split second, whether the miss was influenced by the chaos or simply a failed attempt under pressure, remains a mystery known only to Brahim Díaz.
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch Ghanaians rate Daniel Laryea’s performance and predict the 2025 AFCON final.
