VAR expert Dale Johnson has revealed an explosive theory about why Brahim Diaz opted to take a panenka penalty in Sunday night’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal ultimately prevailed 1-0 over host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Pape Gueye smashing home the winner from range in the 94th minute of added time.
But to suggest that was the only moment of drama would be a huge understatement, as several scenes during normal time were unlike anything previously seen in football. In the 92nd minute, Senegal had a goal controversially disallowed, before Morocco were awarded an equally contentious penalty in the 98th minute. The eventual champions protested furiously and refused to return to the pitch until the 20th minute of added time.
Diaz was eventually handed the chance to sign, seal, and deliver the Atlas Lions’ second AFCON title, and their first since 1976, more than 15 minutes after the penalty was initially awarded. However, his hopes of rubbing salt into Senegal’s wounds with an audacious chipped attempt backfired. Edouard Mendy saved the effort, a moment that undoubtedly played a decisive role in the eventual outcome.
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VAR Expert's Theory About Brahim Diaz's AFCON Panenka Penalty
Brahim Diaz
In such a high-pressure situation, with the AFCON title hanging in the balance and chaos unfolding around it, many were left baffled as to why Diaz chose the spectacular over the effective.
However, ESPN's VAR expert Dale Johnson has now put forward an intriguing new theory, suggesting the two nations may have agreed that the penalty would be missed in order to convince Senegal to return to the pitch. Writing on X (see below), Johnson claimed:
"As Senegal did not celebrate the penalty save it seems logical to assume there was a pact that they would return if Diaz deliberately missed?"
As far-fetched as the theory may sound, very little made sense on Sunday night. And Johnson’s suggestion has since been echoed by others on social media, including Sport Italia journalist Tancredi Palmeri. See the incident and his reaction below:
Curiosity around the theory has only grown, particularly given that not a single Senegal player appeared to celebrate Mendy’s save, instead immediately sprinting back up the pitch to restart the match.
AFCON Press Box's Reaction to Panenka Penalty
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Maher Mezahi, a journalist who mostly covers sports in North Africa, revealed that similar questions were being asked among those packed into the press box at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. He revealed on X (see below):
"All of the journalists here in the press box are asking each other if Brahim Diaz missed the penalty on purpose? Perhaps that's why Senegal agreed to play on?"
Senegal’s 1-0 victory secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title, as they successfully defended the crown they first lifted in 2021. The Lions of Teranga boast star quality across the pitch, and Sadio Mane and his teammates remain the team to beat in future editions, even if the former Liverpool winger decides this tournament was his swan song.