"I think they arranged it": Belhanda's explosive theory on Diaz's missed panenka in the CAN final

Belhanda claims Diaz and Senegal's keeper agreed beforehand on the missed penalty, citing the Senegalese players' lack of surprise at the attempt.

Nearly a year after Morocco's controversial 1-0 loss to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, former international Younès Belhanda has revived debate over Brahim Diaz's failed panenka penalty in the 90th+8 minute. Diaz's chip was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Etienne Mendy after a lengthy delay following a VAR-awarded penalty for a foul by Malick Diouf on the Real Madrid player.

Belhanda suggested the miss was not reckless but rather a deliberate arrangement between Diaz and Mendy. "I think they arranged it on the penalty," Belhanda said on the Riolo Club podcast. "I think Brahim Diaz told the keeper he was going to do that. The Senegalese players' reaction—they weren't surprised. You know the emotions of a final." He acknowledged having no proof, calling it a personal conviction based on the Senegalese team's composure.

The theory echoes speculation that Diaz intentionally missed to avoid winning on a controversial decision, given the chaos surrounding the penalty award—Senegal had just been denied a goal for a push by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi. Morocco were later awarded the title on a 3-0 walkover in March after Senegal's players left the pitch, though the Senegalese federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a ruling expected in late November.