AFCON 2025 : Brahim Diaz and the penalty that broke a nation

  /  autty

For weeks, Brahim Diaz carried the hopes of an entire nation at AFCON 2025. Brilliant, decisive and adored by the Moroccan public, the Real Madrid forward looked like the symbol of a long-awaited triumph on home soil.

Then came the final, a chaotic ending, and one moment that changed everything. After a long interruption caused by protests, Diaz found himself alone, facing history, with a penalty that could end Morocco’s 50-year wait for an AFCON title.

The pressure was immense, but what followed stunned everyone inside the stadium. Instead of a composed finish, Diaz opted for a Panenka, a choice as audacious as it was disastrous. Edouard Mendy read it perfectly and stopped the shot without difficulty.

In a few seconds, Moroccan joy turned into disbelief. “He wanted to score and I stopped him. End of story,” the Senegalese goalkeeper said bluntly, while Morocco’s dream collapsed in front of the world.

At full time, Diaz broke down in tears and Walid Regragui quickly took him off, visibly frustrated. The crowd’s reaction was unforgiving. When Diaz stepped forward to collect the top scorer award, boos echoed around the stadium. Social media followed suit, ruthless and relentless.

Once a hero, celebrated for his performances, Brahim Diaz became the symbol of a lost title, a painful reminder that in football, a single decision can erase an entire tournament.

Related: Morocco Senegal Real Madrid Brahim
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