Morocco’s Brahim Diaz has sparked controversy by claiming he was hypnotized into missing a crucial penalty against Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Diaz, who took a Panenka-style penalty, says he doesn’t remember stepping up to the spot or choosing that style, suggesting someone from Senegal may have used voodoo on him.
The penalty miss proved costly, as Senegal went on to win the game 1-0 in extra time. Diaz’s claims have raised questions about what really happened that night, with many wondering if nerves, instructions, or something deeper was at play.
The AFCON final was marked by controversy, with Senegal walking off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco. The game resumed after a 14-minute delay, and Senegal’s Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s penalty attempt. Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, securing their second AFCON title.
Diaz has apologized for the miss, saying “my soul hurts” and taking full responsibility. However, his claims of hypnosis have added a new layer of intrigue to the story.
