Brahim Dias shed tears after Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal (Image: Getty)
Brahim Dias has issued a statement after Morocco squandered their chance to win the chaotic African Cup of Nations final with a disastrous penalty. The drama surrounding a spot-kick awarded in the eighth minute of stoppage time led to claims that Real Madrid’s attackers missed it on purpose. West Ham defender El Hadji Malik Diouf was blamed for fouling Dias inside the box, but Senegal were furious at the decision and head coach Pape Thiau led his team from the pitch to the dressing room.
There was a long delay, but the penalty was finally awarded in the 24th minute of stoppage time. Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, stepped up in hopes of bringing glory to the hosts. However, he chipped the ball straight into the middle and into the arm of Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The disastrous manner in which he took penalties has led some to argue that he deliberately refused to score. The match went into extra time and was finally decided by a sensational Pape Gueye goal, giving Senegal their second win in AFCON history and denying Morocco their first since 1976. And in an emotional statement released Monday night, a heartbroken Diaz shot down claims that he intentionally missed the shot.
“It’s heartbreaking,” the 26-year-old said. “I dreamed of this title because of all the love you all gave me, all the messages, all the support that made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had and above all with my heart. Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
“This wound will not heal easily, and it will be difficult to recover… But I will try. Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me, for everyone who suffered with me. I will keep moving forward until one day I can return all this love to you and make the people of Morocco proud.”
Senegal goalkeeper Mendy, who previously played for Chelsea, also denied suggestions that Golden Boot winner Dias deliberately missed his spot. “No, of course not. We have to be serious,” he said. “Do you really think that with one minute left, a country that has been waiting for a title for 50 years can come to an agreement? He was aiming for a goal and I deserve credit for stopping him. That’s all.”
Morocco coach Walid Reglagui said of Diaz’s mistake: “He must have been upset because he had plenty of time to take the penalty. But you can’t change what happened. That’s how he chose to take the penalty. We need to move on now.”
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Brahim Dias runs straight into the arms of Edouard Mendy (Image: Getty)
Senegalese coach Thiau has reportedly been suspended for ordering his players off the pitch. FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the scene after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty after consulting with VAR. Only Senegal and Liverpool icon Sadio Mane refused to be sent off.
“We witnessed unacceptable scenes both on the field and in the stands. We strongly condemn the actions of some ‘supporters’, some Senegalese players and the technical staff,” Infantino said.
“Leaving the field of play in this way is unacceptable, and by the same token, violence is also unacceptable in our sport. It is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions made by match officials on and off the field of play.”
“Teams must compete within the Laws of the Game on the pitch, because failing to do so will put the very essence of football at risk. It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for the fans in the stadium and the millions of people watching around the world.”
Brahim Dias expressed frustration after missing the spot-kick (Image: Getty)
“The ugly scenes witnessed today are condemnable and must never be repeated. I reiterate that there is no place for such behavior in football and I look forward to appropriate action being taken by the relevant disciplinary body at CAF.”
Chiau apologized after the match, but his rival Legulagui declared: “The image we have given Africa is shameful. Papu’s actions show no respect to Africa.” And Senegal’s Mane said: “Just imagine for a moment that you go into a locker room and the football game has stopped there. I think that gives a negative image to our football.”
“I don’t think Africa deserves that today. African football has evolved incredibly and the proof is that it’s being watched all over the world. So I did what I had to do.”
“I think it’s strange not to play this game, because the referee gives a penalty and sends us off? I think it’s the worst thing, especially in African football. I’d rather lose than have something like this happen to our football.”
