Morocco denied at home as Diaz’s nightmare Panenka and Mendy mind games swing AFCON to Senegal | OneFootball

The Africa Cup of Nations is rarely short of taking points, but even by the competition's standards, this was something else.

A tense final between the host nation, Morocco, and Senegal had VAR at the centre of the narrative. First, with the game goalless, Senegal thought they had taken the lead early into stoppage time.

Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr headed the ball in after Abdoulaye Seck had powered a header of his own against the crossbar. However, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo deemed that Seck had fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up, despite minimal contact between the pair. Senegal were incensed, a feeling that boiled over just four minutes later.

As Senegal defended a 95th-minute set piece, Morocco'sBrahim Diaz went down after a tussle with El Hadji Malick Diouf. The latter had an arm around the host nation's talisman, and VAR urged the official to take a second look.

The decision to award a spot-kick - and Morocco the chance to win a first AFCON title in 50 years - saw Senegal incredulous. In a bizarre and unsavoury act, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw urged his players to leave the pitch in protest.

It was the equivalent of the unhappy kid leaving the park with his ball, here on the biggest stage in African football.

Persuaded back by captainSadio Mane, Senegal stood and watched, only for another twist to the night's tale. Edouard Mendy engaged in some added gamesmanship, ensuring the time between the penalty decision and Brahim Diaz's take of the decisive kick stood at a staggering 24 minutes.

Diaz had been arguably the star of the tournament,its leading scorer and the poster boy for Morocco's quest for a drought-breaking title on home soil. He'll have nightmares about his penalty for the remainder os his career.

One kick from glory, Mendy called his bluff as Diaz's effort dinked harmlessly into his arms. The execution was horrible.

The outcome: extra time.

Diaz was visibly distraught, with the Real Madrid midfielder in tears as extra time commenced. Four minutes later, the mood worsened. Senegal, their AFCON dream supercharged by cheating death, found a breakthrough. A lovely team move concluded with Pape Gueye thumping home this third of the tournament to spark roars from The Lions of Teranga.

Morocco's head coach acted swiftly, and Diaz was removed as his mind circulate with regret. Senegal’s early opener gave Morocco a chance to steady themselves, but Diaz’s night was done. The changes were not able to halt the momentum, however, as Senegal stood firm to take the crown.

The imagery at full-time wasSadio Mane being hoisted aloft with Senegal's second AFCON title, the captain named Player of the Tournament for his performances.

Mane was crucial in resuming a final that almost ended in disaster, but it's Diaz's infamous effort that will live longest in the memory.