Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has explained why Brahim Diaz failed to convert a late penalty in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Senegal, saying the Real Madrid forward was unsettled by events leading up to the kick.
Diaz had the opportunity to secure victory for the hosts with the final action of the match. However, after a prolonged 17-minute stoppage caused by protests, the attacker attempted a weak panenka that was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The missed penalty sparked speculation that the controversy surrounding the decision may have affected Diaz’s composure.
Addressing the issue after the match, Regragui said the long delay before the kick disrupted the player’s focus.
“He had a lot of time before taking the penalty, which must have disturbed him,” the coach told reporters. “But we can’t change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forward now.”
