Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has rubbished claims Brahim Diaz missed his penalty on purpose. after his country won the 2025 AFCON

Real Madrid star, Diaz, had the singular honor of winning Morocco their first 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in 50 years.

After a long protest by the Teranga Lions when the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty and Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return to the pitch, Diaz stepped up to chip the ball straight into Mendy’s arms.

Following the game, which Senegal won by a lone goal, reports became rife of Diaz appearing to miss his chance on purpose to allow both teams to go boot for boot in a penalty shootout.

Reacting to these reports, Mendy questioned why anyone would miss the chance of making his country champions of Africa after 50 years of waiting.

“Did Brahim miss the penalty on purpose? No, of course not. We have to be serious. Do you really think that with one minute left and a country that has been waiting 50 years for a title, we can reach an agreement? He wanted to score, and I deserve credit for stopping him; that’s all.”