Legendary Czech footballer Antonín Panenka, who originated the famous ‘Panenka penalty’ has weighed in on Brahim Díaz’s missed penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal, suggesting the Moroccan attacker may not have adequately prepared to execute the famous chipped effort that bears his name.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish radio Cadena SER, Panenka revealed the level of dedication required to master the delicate technique, stressing that it is far from an improvised move.

“It took me two years of daily training to be able to take a penalty in that way,” he said.

Panenka, who pioneered the audacious spot-kick, expressed doubt that Díaz had invested similar preparation before attempting it in such a high-pressure situation.

“I’m convinced Brahim didn’t train it enough. The idea came to him suddenly in that moment, and he tried it. I think that’s why he didn’t score,” he explained.

The Czech icon also dismissed suggestions that the chipped penalty is disrespectful to opponents, insisting his original intention was purely practical rather than theatrical.

“I don’t agree. At that moment, I thought it was the right way to score. In a European Championship final, you don’t think about mocking the opponent. My intention was never to ridicule anyone. I believed it was the best way to score,” he said.

Panenka etched his name into football history during the UEFA Euro 1976 Final when he famously dinked the decisive.

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By Kunle Solaja.

The success of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was largely driven by strong collaboration between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and host nation security authorities, according to CAF’s pioneer Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa.

Emeruwa, in a LinkedIn post,  said that while robust structures and detailed security plans were important, the defining factor behind the smooth delivery of security at AFCON 2025 was the quality of relationships built between CAF and the host country’s security agencies.

“Beyond structures and plans, what truly made the difference were trust, mutual respect, transparency, frankness and honesty in our daily engagements,” Emeruwa noted, stressing that effective security management at major sporting events goes beyond procedures alone.

He explained that delivering security for continental tournaments such as AFCON requires cultural sensitivity, diplomacy and a clearly shared vision among all stakeholders. According to him, these principles enabled open discussions around challenges, alignment of expectations and the ability for all parties to operate as a single, cohesive team in pursuit of a common goal.

Emeruwa described AFCON 2025 as a clear demonstration that successful event security is built on partnership and shared interest, rather than rigid institutional boundaries.

“When organisers and host authorities act as partners rather than counterparts, coordination is stronger, and outcomes are more sustainable,” he said.

The Nigerian security expert added that the values and practices adopted during AFCON 2025 provide a model that can be replicated across different host nations, helping to deliver safe, secure and world-class sporting events in Africa and beyond.

AFCON 2025 was widely praised for its organisation and safety standards, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between football governing bodies and national authorities in staging major international tournaments.

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Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) announced on Tuesday it would appeal the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) disciplinary rulings over last month’s chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, which the hosts lost 1-0 after extra time.

FRMF criticised the sanctions as disproportionate to the “seriousness and gravity” of the incidents during the 18 January match, which was overshadowed by a 14-minute interruption after Senegalese players staged a walk-off, a pitch invasion by their fans and confrontations involving players and staff.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee handed Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw a five-match ban and fined him $100,000 (£82,000) after he instructed his team to leave the pitch following a VAR decision to disallow a goal late in regular time.

Senegal’s football federation was fined $615,000 (£508,000) for the behaviour of their players and supporters, with Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr receiving two-match bans for unsporting actions directed at the referee.

Morocco, whose appeal to have the match result overturned was rejected by CAF, were also hit with sanctions totalling $315,000 (£260,000).

Their penalties relate to what CAF described as misconduct by Moroccan players, staff, and supporters, including the use of laser pointers and improper intervention in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area.

Captain Achraf Hakimi was handed a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three games, with both players penalised for attempting to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel in heavy rain conditions.

“The FRMF will appeal the decisions in order to safeguard all rights guaranteed by law,” said a statement issued by the federation, which specifically cited “the withdrawal of Senegalese players and the conduct of their supporters” during the final as grounds for contesting the rulings.

CAF, however, described the tournament as a success overall, highlighting record revenues despite the controversy surrounding the final.

CAF confirmed the sanctions will apply to its competitions, further souring the conclusion to what Morocco had hoped would be a triumphant campaign on home soil.

-Reuters

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