Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz expressed profound remorse on Monday for his failed Panenka-style penalty that sealed his team’s loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final, vowing to repay fans’ support with future triumphs.
The Real Madrid winger’s audacious chip floated harmlessly into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during Sunday’s tense decider in Rabat, paving the way for Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner and Senegal’s second title in three editions.
In a social media message relayed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Diaz wrote: “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.”
Accepting blame for the pivotal miss, he added: “Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart.”
The 25-year-old pledged resilience amid the setback: “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.”
The blunder drew reactions across the continent, with former Nigerian internationals Daniel Amokachi and Obi Mikel weighing in on the costly error that denied hosts Morocco a first AFCON crown since 1976.
Diaz’s contrition follows a match overshadowed by controversy, including Senegal’s brief walk-off protest over the penalty award, which has prompted investigations by CAF and condemnation from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
