Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz had a chance to help Morocco win the African Cup of Nations on home soil with a controversial penalty late in stoppage time, only to miss out in humiliating fashion.
(Image: Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold had to leave the room after seeing Real Madrid teammate Brahim Dias fluffing his lines in the African Cup of Nations final. The former Liverpool star was watching Sunday’s final, when Dias’ hosts Morocco take on Senegal.
The match remained scoreless eight minutes into stoppage time, with Morocco awarded a controversial penalty. Dias, 26, was adjudged to have been fouled by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf in the box, with referee Jean-Jacques N’Dala sending him to the VAR monitor.
Enraged by the decision, Senegalese coach Pape Thiau ordered his players sent off early in stoppage time in protest of both the penalty and the canceled goal. Supporters attempted to invade the pitch and the situation in the stands escalated, prompting riot police to be called in.
The match was delayed for a total of 17 minutes, but Senegal returned to the field, encouraged by their talisman, former Liverpool star Sadio Mane. After more antics around the penalty spot, Dias finally stepped up and fired a panenka, but his shot drifted towards goal, but was easily saved by former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
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read more: Sadio Mane, Senegal’s star, explains AFCON actions in resisting team protests with powerful messageread more: Senegal coach Pape Thiau was ‘booed and kicked out of press conference’ after AFCON final anarchy
Alexander-Arnold was watching the game with one of his brothers, Marcel. As the ball was placed in Mendy’s grateful hands, the England international quickly turned away from the cameras and walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, in Rabat, Diaz broke down in tears after missing out on the chance to win AFCON on home soil. The final went into extra time, with Senegal’s Pape Gueye clinching the trophy with a thunderous blow.
Despite being the tournament’s top scorer with five goals in seven games, Diaz was booed by a rowdy crowd as he went to collect his prize. The forward was beside himself.
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There are theories among fans that Dias missed the penalty on purpose, while others argue that Senegal’s quiet celebration after Mendy’s save was a reward. However, in an interview with beIN Sports, the goalkeeper said: “No, of course not. We have to get serious.
“With a minute left, do you really think a country that has been waiting for a title for 50 years can come to an agreement? He was going for a goal and I deserve credit for stopping him, that’s all.
“He tried, listen. I tried to stand as long as possible. We were lucky. We kept the team in the game.”
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