Brahim Diaz, what have you done?! Morocco star MISSES 114th-minute penalty in AFCON final as baffling Panenka attempt backfires after Senegal players storm off pitch in protest at original decision

Diaz was made to pay early in the first half of extra time, too, as Pape Gueye scored to give Senegal a 1-0 lead in truly extraordinary scenes at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. Gueye fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner from just outside the box to spark wild celebrations. Diaz was taken off moments later and looked visibly emotional after taking his place on the Morocco bench, having blown his chance to become a national hero.

Deep into second half added time, Diaz went down in the box under contact from Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as a corner was swung in towards the back post.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala did not give a spot kick initially, but VAR asked for a review, and after consulting the pitchside monitor, he awarded Morocco a penalty, much to the fury of the Senegal players and staff.

A furious row erupted between both teams on the touchline and Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players return to the dressing room. The large majority did exactly that, but ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane was among those to try and get his team-mates back onto the pitch. Meanwhile, fighting broke out in the Senegal section of the stadium, and a steward had to be carried away after reportedly suffering an injury during the ugly scenes.

For a moment, it looked like the final might be abandoned, but the Senegal team eventually re-emerged in full, and Diaz was free to take his penalty in the 114th minute. By that time, though, he had clearly been thinking too long about how to execute his kick, which floated harmlessly into the arms of the grateful Senegal goalkeeper Mendy.

Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!

Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku was among those left in disbelief by Diaz's attempt, as he said while commentating on the game for E4: “What is Brahim Diaz doing? What is he doing? I cannot believe he has done that. Too clever for his own good. To do that is absolutely ridiculous. He may never ever get another chance to score a winning goal in an AFCON final.”

Senegal held on for a historic 1-0 win after extra time, clinching their second AFCON crown five years on from their first triumph. Meanwhile, Morocco's 50-year wait to lift the famous gold trophy again goes on, and Diaz will no doubt be painted as the villain in his homeland. Morocco were favourites to win the final as hosts, with Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui among the other star names in their ranks, but Senegal were able to outlast them in an extraordinary final.