Iliman Ndiaye opens up on Brahim Diaz penalty controversy in AFCON final

The dramatic finale saw Morocco awarded a penalty in the closing minutes of normal time. Despite protests and threats to abandon the match, Senegal allowed Diaz to take the kick.

However, the Real Madrid midfielder's attempt was easily saved by Edouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time. Senegal then capitalised through Pape Gueye, winning 1-0 and clinching their second African title.

Diaz later apologised on social media, expressing regret over the missed opportunity and the disappointment of Moroccan fans.

Ndiaye, however, criticised the choice, suggesting Diaz may have been trying to "act like a star" after his outstanding tournament performances.

"We were just saying he was going to miss," Ndiaye told The Times, as quoted by Flashscore.

"I was praying, saying, 'He's going to miss, he's going to miss.' I felt there was a bit of disrespect... or he wanted to act like a star after everything that had just happened."

Reflecting on the tense moments, Ndiaye recalled the team's unity amid the controversy.

"We went crazy. We were completely beside ourselves... Of course, we stayed united as a team," he said, noting that senior players, including Sadio Mane, urged the squad to return to the pitch.

The incident prompted CAF sanctions, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw banned for five matches and players Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr for two matches each. Ndiaye acknowledged the uncertainty of their actions but stressed their desire for fairness.

"Maybe we did the right thing, maybe not. But after everything we've achieved, we wanted to make sure everything was done fairly," he said.

Despite the disciplinary measures, the Senegalese government pledged support for the suspended coach and players, highlighting the nation's backing for their team in the aftermath of a historic but controversial triumph.