Antonín Panenka, the famous Czech footballer who originated the 'Panenka' penalty kick, discussed the missed penalty by Moroccan player Ibrahima Díaz in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Senegal. Díaz, also a player for Real Madrid, had the chance to help Morocco secure only their second title in history but failed to convert his penalty, which was taken in the last moments of the game. Instead, Senegal's goalkeeper Édouard Mendy easily intercepted the shot, pushing the match into extra time.

Panenka, now 77 years old and known for his iconic penalty style first executed in 1976, believes that Díaz possibly did not train enough for such a specific penalty technique. In an interview, he emphasized the importance of practice when attempting the Panenka style, which requires not only precision but also confidence. He pointed out that the idea likely came to Díaz at the moment he took the penalty, suggesting a lack of preparation may have contributed to the miss.

The incident highlights the stakes of high-pressure moments in football, where even a small error can lead to significant consequences for teams and players. Morocco's missed opportunity to claim the championship emphasizes the intense competition in the Africa Cup, while Diaz’s miscalculation serves as a reminder of the psychological factors that influence performance in crucial situations.