Theory Trent Alexander-Arnold's teammate missed AFCON penalty on purpose emerges

Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid teammate Brahim Diaz missed a crucial penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final for Morocco as Senegal went on to lift the trophy

Brahim Diaz missed a last-minute penalty on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

Edouard Mendy has dismissed claims that Brahim Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold's teammate at Real Madrid, deliberately missed his last-minute penalty as Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations drought continued in dramatic fashion.

The Madrid star had enjoyed an outstanding tournament, finishing as top scorer, but he failed to convert from the spot as his cheeky Panenka floated straight into the grasp of the former Chelsea goalkeeper, before Senegal secured the trophy in extra time. Diaz's penalty came after a prolonged delay, caused by the Senegalese players leaving the pitch in protest at the late spot-kick being awarded following a VAR review.

This meant the forward faced a 17-minute wait before taking his kick, ultimately failing to deliver.

Speculation has circulated suggesting that, given the circumstances surrounding the penalty decision, Diaz missed on purpose. However, Mendy dismissed that notion, given Morocco's desperation to end the team's wait for continental success.

He said: "Did Brahim miss the penalty on purpose? No, of course not. We have to be serious.

"Do you really think that with one minute left and a country that has been waiting 50 years for a title, we can reach an agreement?

Diaz (left) is Trent Alexander-Arnold's teammate at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

"He wanted to score, and I deserve credit for stopping him, that's all."

Diaz was devastated following his penalty miss and issued an apology to the entire Morocco squad in the dressing room before breaking down in tears.

DZfoot has reported that certain members of the team's hierarchy are said to be livid and haven't forgiven him.

Morocco's manager, Walid Regragui, has come to the defence of his striker, suggesting that the lengthy wait affected the Real star. "He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him," he said.

"But we can't change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forwards now."

Mendy, currently playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, expressed pride in Senegal's comeback to clinch the country's second AFCON title in five years.

It's understood that Sadio Mane played a pivotal role in persuading his teammates to return to the pitch following their protest.

"What did we say to each other? That's between us," Mendy revealed. "We did it together, and we came back together, that's all that matters. We can be proud."