‘What are you playing Panenka for’ - Ighalo slams Brahim Diaz for audacious penalty attempt

Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, failing to break their 50-year trophy drought.

With the match deadlocked in the final moments of normal time, the Real Madrid star had a golden opportunity to secure the title for Morocco from the penalty spot. 

However, Diaz's audacious chip was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy, sending the game into extra time.

Speaking as a pundit on SuperSport, Ighalo questioned the forward's decision-making in such a high-stakes moment.

"In a game like this, one minute to go, what are you playing Panenka for? This is the final game, last minute, just go there and hit the ball hard," Ighalo stated. 

"Even though I don't want Morocco to win for what happened in the game, you don't play Panenka."

Despite his disapproval of the penalty, the former Manchester United striker acknowledged Diaz's strong performance throughout the match and conceded that Senegal were the better team overall.

"Apart from the penalty, he's been good throughout the game, and I think Senegal deserves to win tonight," he added.

Senegal went on to win the trophy after some nervy moments and controversial calls in the final stage of the game.