Dakar, Senegal – The sting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Senegal remains palpable for Morocco, and the controversial penalty miss by Brahim Diaz in the dying moments of extra time continues to fuel debate. For the first time since Senegal secured the title with a 1-0 victory, a member of the Moroccan squad has publicly addressed the incident. That player is Romain Saïss, the team’s captain during the tournament. Just days after announcing his international retirement, the Al-Sadd (Qatar) defender spoke candidly about the audacious attempt by his teammate in an interview with RMC.
Saïss “Forgives” Diaz
“My immediate reaction as a human being was to think: ‘No, why would you do that?’” Saïss said on the Rothen s’enflamme program. “If he’d scored, we wouldn’t be talking about it, but it’s a shame. He had an exceptional tournament. To arrive at the final and attempt a Panenka… it tarnishes his competition, even if it doesn’t diminish what he did during the tournament.”
The Panenka, a delicate chip taken down the middle of the goal although the goalkeeper dives, is a high-risk, high-reward penalty technique. Diaz’s attempt was comfortably saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, sealing Morocco’s fate. Saïss questioned whether Diaz fully grasped the weight of the moment and its implications for Moroccan football. “Did he have any awareness of the moment and everything it entailed for Moroccan football?” he asked, adding that he has “forgiven” Diaz despite the immense disappointment of not winning the championship on home soil.
“It Felt Like He Killed Someone”
“Even if you can’t understand why he made that gesture at that moment in the match, with all the context of Moroccan football, you have to move forward,” Saïss explained, having earned 86 caps for the Atlas Lions. “When you hear some people, it feels like he killed someone,” he said, referencing the often-violent and insulting criticism directed at Diaz since the January 18th match. The fallout from the missed penalty has been significant, with intense scrutiny focused on Diaz’s decision-making.
Saïss emphasized the importance of focusing on the team’s future, not individual blame. “The most important thing is the national team, not Romain Saïss or Brahim Diaz,” he concluded, offering a final message to his former teammates. “The most important thing is to think about the future, about the World Cup. If some people harbor resentment, my advice to the group and the leaders is to clear the air. Since in the future, you’re going to need Brahim Diaz.” This task now falls to Mohamed Ouahbi, the newly appointed head coach of the Moroccan national team.
Brahim Diaz, born in Málaga, Spain in 1999, currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Real Madrid, and has recently become a key player for the Moroccan national team. He began his youth career at Málaga before moving to Manchester City in 2015. After a loan spell with AC Milan, he returned to Real Madrid, where he continues to develop as a dynamic attacking threat. His decision to represent Morocco, despite having also played for Spain at youth levels, added another layer of intrigue to his profile.
The missed penalty wasn’t simply a failed attempt; it was a symbolic moment in a final played under immense pressure. Morocco had not won the Africa Cup of Nations in 50 years and were hosting the tournament, creating a fervent atmosphere and heightened expectations. The weight of a nation rested on the shoulders of the players, and Diaz’s decision to attempt a Panenka in that crucial moment will undoubtedly be debated for years to come.
Saïss’s comments offer a glimpse into the internal dynamics of the Moroccan squad and the emotional toll of the defeat. His willingness to publicly address the issue, and to express forgiveness towards Diaz, speaks to his leadership qualities and his desire to spot the team move forward. The incident also highlights the intense scrutiny faced by footballers at the highest level, where every decision is analyzed and dissected.
The appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as the new head coach marks a new chapter for Moroccan football. He will be tasked with rebuilding the team and preparing them for future challenges, including the upcoming World Cup. Integrating Brahim Diaz back into the squad and fostering a positive team environment will be crucial to his success. The focus will be on learning from the past and building a cohesive unit capable of achieving its full potential.
The 2025 AFCON final was a match filled with drama and controversy, and the story of Brahim Diaz’s missed Panenka will continue to resonate with fans for a long time. It serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate success and failure in football, and the importance of mental fortitude in the face of pressure. As Morocco looks ahead to the future, the team will need to draw on the lessons learned from this experience and strive for greater achievements.
Morocco’s next major challenge will be qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The qualifying process is underway, and Ouahbi will be eager to produce a positive impression with a series of strong performances. The team’s first qualifying match under Ouahbi’s leadership is scheduled for June 2026 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Fans can follow updates on the Moroccan national team’s progress through official CAF channels and Archysport’s dedicated football coverage.
What are your thoughts on Brahim Diaz’s penalty attempt? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to follow Archysport for the latest updates on Moroccan football and the road to the 2026 World Cup.
