Softfootball understands that Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco within the African Cup of Nations closing has left a deep mark on the match, and far of the post-match dialog has centred on one defining second.
With the rating stage late in regular time, Morocco had been handed a golden probability to win the ultimate after being awarded a penalty within the ninetieth minute. Brahim Diaz stepped up and tried a Panenka, however Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy learn it completely and made the save.
The match went to additional time, the place Idrissa Gueye struck the decisive objective at hand Senegal the title. That missed penalty shortly turned the focus of the ultimate. Diaz has since confronted intense backlash, with criticism pouring in from all corners.
After the sport, as reported by soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano through his official X account, the Moroccan midfielder shared an emotional apology message alongside a video to supporters, a message that solely fuelled extra debate on-line.
He posted:
Brahim Diaz assertion. My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title due to all of the love you all gave me, each message, each present of help that made me really feel I wasn’t alone. I fought with all the pieces I had, with my coronary heart above all else. Yesterday I failed and I take full accountability. I apologize from the underside of my coronary heart. It is going to be laborious for me to get well, as a result of this wound doesn’t heal simply… however I’ll strive. Not for myself, however for everybody who believed in me and for everybody who suffered with me. I’ll hold going ahead till someday I may give you all this love again and turn into a supply of delight for my Moroccan individuals.
Watch the video under:
Some reactions defended Diaz whereas questioning the broader dealing with of African soccer. Queen Bee (@RealQueenBee__), showing to recommend conspiracy and unfair scapegoating.
She wrote:
CAF and African Soccer MUST do higher. It’s fairly unlucky that Brahim Diaz was make the escape goat that cleaned up the mess. He was requested to overlook the penalty in order to not smash the turnament and embarass Africa on the world stage.
Others responded with sarcasm and suspicion. Malik (@TheMahleek) appeared to mock the apology whereas implying that some individuals in Mushin stated the miss was deliberate.
He posted:
You failed?? Those that watched your penalty from Mushin stated you missed deliberately o, how we go do am like this??
Some followers had been far much less forgiving. Jaredad (@_Jaredad) criticised Diaz’s decision-making and in contrast him unfavourably to a previous African legend that missed a really essential penalty.
He stated:
Subsequent time don’t attempt to humiliate a objective keeper with panenka… U should not Zidane U failed your nation by making an attempt that nonsense stunt They gained’t forgive u We forgave Asamoah Gyang cos he by no means tried a panenka and performed a great penalty that hit the objective put up U failed bro U actually failed Subsequent time u don’t strive that panenka, it isn’t for small bois Go and sin no extra [but ur sin isn’t still forgiven]
The strongest response got here from THE BOLD ONE (@MrBoldOne), whose put up went past Diaz and focused all the Moroccan crew and officers.
He talked about:
All Morocco gamers and officers must be suspended from enjoying worldwide soccer. They’re cheats, needed to win soccer in a HARAM means I hope the towels they had been making an attempt to steal from Mendy, they’ve used them to wipe their tears.
Amid the criticism, there have been additionally voices acknowledging Senegal’s achievement. Seun Akinsanya (@mrboboskie) appeared to encourage Diaz whereas stressing that the higher crew finally gained.
He concluded:
Maintain going ahead bro, bcos the trophy doesn’t belong to your crew however the reality hurts. Senegal labored for it.
What was meant to be a second of glory for Senegal has as an alternative additionally turn into a painful chapter for Brahim Diaz, one miss, one choice, and a wave of response that continues to develop.
