- Brahim Diaz Apologises After AFCON Final Penalty Miss
- Missed Panenka was saved before Senegal won in extra time.
- Real Madrid star vows to redeem himself for Morocco.
Morocco midfielder, Brahim Diaz, has apologised to his countrymen after missing a decisive late penalty in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The AFCON 2025 final ended goalless in regulation time before Senegal went on to claim the title in extra time. Morocco had a golden opportunity to win the match in stoppage time when Diaz stepped up to take a penalty with the score at 0 – 0.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, the 24 year old attempted a Panenka style effort which was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. Senegal later secured victory in extra time, sealing the championship.
In an emotional message posted on his X account on Monday, the Real Madrid midfielder accepted full responsibility for the miss and apologised to Moroccan fans, admitting he had fallen short at a crucial moment.
“My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you all gave me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else.
“Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart,” Diaz wrote.
The Morocco international also acknowledged the pain of the defeat and the emotional weight of missing out on the trophy, describing the experience as deeply difficult.
“It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound doesn’t heal easily… but I will try. Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and for everyone who suffered with me.
“I will keep going forward until one day I can give you all this love back and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people,” he added.
Diaz, who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for La Liga giants Real Madrid, expressed optimism that he can redeem himself in future competitions with the national team.
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