Moroccan press reports indicate that the Moroccan players refused to accept Brahim Diaz’s apology for missing the decisive penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
Diaz won the penalty in the 95th minute and took it after a 10-minute delay due to Senegal’s protests and threats to withdraw. The Real Madrid star then attempted a Panenka-style penalty, which was easily saved by Edouard Mendy.
The match went to extra time, with everyone stunned by the manner of the missed penalty. Senegal ultimately won the match with a goal from Pape Gueye, denying Morocco the title they had been waiting for for 50 years.
Diaz broke down in tears during and after the match. According to press reports, the 25-year-old met with all the Moroccan players in the locker room and apologized for his missed penalty kick and the subsequent fallout.
Surprisingly, the Moroccan players rejected his apology and refused to reconcile with Diaz. The Atlas Lions stars remain in shock and disbelief over how they lost the title in such a manner after being so close to winning it.
There is widespread anger towards Diaz for his poor penalty kick. Many believe he acted with strange arrogance and disrespected the situation, especially considering the long-awaited Moroccan title win. This is why many players refuse to forgive him.
Coach Walid Regragui reprimanded Diaz after the final whistle, confirming the tense atmosphere within the Moroccan team. Furthermore, Achraf Hakimi, the captain, has also faced criticism for not taking the penalty, as he is expected to handle the pressure in such a crucial moment.
