“I think they fixed the penalty”: Belhanda reignites controversy over Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka in the 2025 AFCON final

Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final continues to be a talking point several months on.

In a thrilling final between the Atlas Lions and the Lions of Teranga on 18 January in Rabat, Brahim Diaz had the chance to secure the continental title for Morocco in stoppage time. But his penalty, attempted as a Panenka, was easily saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper.

This moment marked the turning point of the controversial match, following the Senegalese team’s protest against the referee’s decision and their walk-off. Appearing as a guest on the ‘Riolo Club’ programme on RMC, 10 months after the final, Younès Belhanda offered a surprising opinion.

The former Moroccan international believes that Brahim Diaz may have informed the opposing goalkeeper of his intention to deliberately miss the spot-kick.

“I think they had a deal regarding the penalty. I think Brahim Diaz told him he was going to do that. The Senegalese players’ reaction to the penalty, they weren’t surprised.

“You know how emotional a final can be. There’s no evidence; it’s just my personal opinion,” said the former Moroccan international.