Several theories have emerged regarding whether Morocco’s star player, Brahim Diaz, deliberately missed the decisive penalty in the final minute of regular time against Senegal, amidst the controversial refereeing decisions that marred the match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch immediately after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, protesting the disallowed goal that appeared legitimate just seconds earlier. The Lions of Teranga then returned to the field, and Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty.
The Real Madrid star made what is arguably the worst decision of his career, attempting a Panenka-style penalty, which was easily saved by Edouard Mendy. However, what was striking was the lack of celebration from the Senegalese players, and even the Moroccan players remained silent.
Conspiracy theories then began circulating, suggesting that Diaz deliberately missed the penalty and that there was an agreement between Morocco and Senegal to orchestrate this scenario. However, Mendy went to the media and categorically denied these claims.
The Al-Ahli Saudi goalkeeper said, “Do you really think we would reach an agreement one minute before the end of the match, when an entire country has been waiting for this moment for 50 years?”
He added, “Come on, let’s be serious. He wanted to score, and I deserve credit for saving the shot. That’s all there is to it. We should leave it at that.”
Perhaps what confirms that Diaz did not intentionally miss the penalty is the emotional state he was in on the field and the moment coach Walid Regragui reprimanded him. It is also said that the Moroccan players have not yet accepted his apology for the way he dashed the Atlas Lions’ hopes of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
