The Real Madrid playmaker was the star for Morocco at Afcon 2025, scoring five goals as the hosts reached the final, but now has some making up to do.

With the game goalless deep in second-half stoppage time, the 26-year-old endured a moment to forget when his attempted Panenka penalty was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

A walk-off by the West Africans in protest against the decision to award that spot kick had forced Diaz into a long wait before his miss, but he was then replaced early in extra time and was seen in tears as Senegal went on to win 1-0.

A Confederation of African Football appeals board did subsequently award Morocco the title - with Senegal immediately taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport - but Diaz, a former Spain Under-21 international who made his Morocco debut in 2024, well after the team's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, should relish the chance for atonement.

The Atlas Lions face record five-time winners Brazil in their Group C opener before games against Scotland and Haiti.

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