When Tears Meet the Locker Room: Diaz's Final Miss Shakes AFCON

What happened in the final

Ibrahim Diaz, Morocco's star, faced an emotional moment after missing a stoppage-time penalty against Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Morocco's leadership reportedly demanded accountability, and Diaz reportedly broke down in tears while apologizing to his teammates in the locker room.

The captains remained furious about the way the kick was taken, and Diaz has not yet been forgiven.

Aftermath and the late call

The squad sat in shock as the final ended and on-field chaos followed a late VAR review.

The Congolese referee John-Jac Ndala awarded a late penalty to Morocco after reviewing the play on video.

Senegal's players and staff protested the decision, led by coach Pape Thiaw, who called for the players to walk off in protest.

The match stopped for several minutes as Senegal players left the pitch, but Sadio Mane urged them to return and finish the game.

Back on the field, Diaz took the kick but struck it weakly down the middle, easily saved by Senegal's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Punchlines: If drama won trophies, Diaz would have a cabinet full of them. And that Panenka was so panicky that the ball ended up in Mendy's hands. Just kidding—final whistle puts drama in its place.