Romain Saïss on Diaz’s Panenka: “He Wanted to Be a Superhero” & CAN Final Regret

Rabat, Morocco – The sting of defeat in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final is still palpable for Morocco, and defender Romain Saïss hasn’t shied away from discussing a pivotal moment that contributed to the loss: Brahim Diaz’s attempted Panenka penalty against Senegal. Speaking on the YouTube channel Colinterview, Saïss revealed his immediate reaction and broader feelings about the audacious, ultimately unsuccessful, spot-kick.

Saïss recounted his disbelief as he watched Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy save Diaz’s delicately chipped effort. “I said to myself, ‘He didn’t actually do that, did he?’” he told Colinterview. The veteran defender expressed empathy for Diaz, acknowledging the weight of the moment and the potential for glory that slipped away. “He could have been the hero, but he wanted to be the superhero,” Saïss continued. “It bothers me for him, due to the fact that it tarnishes his competition a little. I wish it serves as a lesson for him going forward.”

The Morocco squad, and the nation as a whole, had dared to dream of a second African title after a 50-year wait. Saïss admitted he envisioned a different outcome. “I thought he was going to set a ‘praline’ right in the middle, thank you extremely much, we lift the trophy and go home, everyone is happy and we celebrate,” he said. The reality, however, was a heartbreaking loss in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Whereas Diaz’s attempt was the defining moment of the shootout, Saïss was quick to point out that missed penalties are part of the game. He referenced previous instances within the Moroccan national team, recalling missed spot-kicks from Achraf Hakimi in 2024 and Hakim Ziyech in 2019. “You can miss a penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations, in the final, at the end of a match, it happened to us,” Saïss explained. “We moved on. He shot, he tried.” However, he emphasized that the manner of Diaz’s miss – the Panenka – was particularly shocking. “But when he took the Panenka, I said, ‘No, you can’t do that now.’”

The Panenka, a technique where a player gently chips the ball down the middle of the goal, relying on the goalkeeper diving to one side, is a high-risk, high-reward maneuver. It requires immense confidence and precision. While it can be a spectacular way to score, it also leaves the taker vulnerable if the goalkeeper anticipates the attempt, as Mendy expertly did.

The incident sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, with some criticizing Diaz for attempting such a risky penalty in a crucial moment. Others defended his audacity, arguing that it demonstrated his self-belief. Saïss, however, appears to fall into the former camp, expressing concern that the miss will overshadow Diaz’s overall performance in the tournament.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final was a dramatic affair, played in front of a passionate home crowd in Rabat. The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances. Senegal ultimately prevailed, securing their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. The tournament showcased the growing strength of African football and provided a platform for emerging talents like Brahim Diaz, despite the painful ending for the host nation.

Looking ahead, Morocco will undoubtedly analyze the defeat and seek to learn from their mistakes. Saïss and his teammates will be determined to bounce back and challenge for future honors. The experience, though painful, could serve as a valuable lesson for the team as they continue their journey on the international stage.

The Moroccan national team is currently ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings as of March 6, 2026. Their next scheduled match is a friendly against Angola on March 28, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This match will provide an opportunity for the team to regroup and prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

Fans can follow the Moroccan national team’s progress and receive official updates through the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s website (https://www.frmf.ma/) and social media channels.