Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz released a statement on social media on Monday apologizing for his penalty miss during his side’s AFCON final defeat to Senegal.
Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he took the penalty in the 24th extra minute at the end of normal time. But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the Real Madrid striker’s weak chip attempt.
Senegal eventually won the title, thanks to an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye.
Diaz’s penalty miss was preceded by a stoppage of play lasting almost 20 minutes after several Senegalese players left the field to protest the referee’s decision to award the penalty. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Diaz’s penalty miss was preceded by a stoppage of play lasting almost 20 minutes after several Senegalese players left the field to protest the referee’s decision to award the penalty. | Photo credit: REUTERS
«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 like I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else,» Diaz wrote.
«Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. It will be difficult for me to recover because this wound does not 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 continue until one day I can give you back all this love and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people,» added Diaz, who won the tournament’s golden boot with five goals.
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The 26-year-old’s penalty miss was preceded by a stoppage of play lasting almost 20 minutes after several Senegalese players left the field to protest the referee’s decision to award the penalty.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced on Monday that it will file a complaint with CAF and FIFA over Senegal’s strike.
The statement also added that the actions of the Senegalese players «significantly affected the normal course of the match and the morale of the players.»
Published on January 19, 2026
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