Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final caused a rift with Achraf Hakimi
The relationship between the two Moroccan players was strained following that missed penalty on 18 January 2026.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, played on 18 January 2026 between Morocco and Senegal, has left its mark on the Atlas Lions. According to revelations in L’Equipe, Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka during that match caused serious tensions with the captain of the Moroccan team, Achraf Hakimi.
The two players had a tense exchange and harsh words were exchanged, L’Equipe reveals. The relationship between the two Moroccan internationals remained strained for several months.
However, Brahim Diaz apologised to his team-mates last March. Yet his relationship with Achraf Hakimi has remained strained. The new manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, and his coaching staff have been working behind the scenes to ease the tensions between the two players.
