AFCON 2025 Final: Footage Reveals Regragui's Heated Exchange with Diaz After Penalty Miss
The dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal has taken another intriguing turn as footage has emerged disclosing what Moroccan coach Walid Regragui said to winger Brahim Diaz following his crucial penalty miss. The incident occurred during the highly anticipated championship match on January 18, which ultimately saw Senegal emerge victorious after extra time.
The Controversial Penalty Incident
In the 97th minute of the tense final, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco, sparking immediate controversy. Senegal players protested the decision by staging a walkout, bringing the match to an unprecedented halt. The game resumed approximately 17 minutes later following intervention from Senegalese star Sadio Mane, setting the stage for Diaz's fateful penalty attempt.
Diaz, the Real Madrid star representing Morocco, attempted an audacious right-footed panenka penalty that was calmly collected by Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The miss proved costly as the match proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored a brilliant winner for Senegal, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance to make a save.
Regragui's Touchline Fury Captured on Camera
Immediately at the start of extra time, Regragui substituted Diaz and engaged in a visibly heated exchange with the distraught winger. BeIN Sport cameras captured part of the interaction, showing Regragui speaking aggressively while being shielded during the brief confrontation. The manager turned to his tactical tablet before reportedly asking Diaz "why did you do that?" as teammate Yousef En-Nesyri escorted the emotional player to the bench.
Post-Match Calm and Consequences
Despite his touchline fury, Regragui adopted a more measured tone during his post-match conference. He pointed to the disruption caused by Senegal's walkout as a contributing factor, stating: "We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes. That didn't help Brahim. That doesn't excuse Brahim for the way he hit the penalty. He hit it like that, and we have to accept it."
The Moroccan coach added philosophically: "We were one minute from being African champions. That's football. It's often cruel. We missed what for some was the opportunity of a lifetime."
The penalty miss could have significant professional consequences for Regragui, with reports indicating the Moroccan Football Association plans to hold talks with the manager about his future with the national team. The loss represents a major setback for a country that came agonizingly close to continental glory.
Social Media Speculation and Official Response
In the aftermath of the dramatic final, social media buzzed with insinuations that Diaz might have missed the penalty intentionally, with some suggesting this was why Senegal agreed to return to the pitch. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy firmly dismissed these claims, stating: "No, of course not. We have to be serious. Do you really think that with one minute left and a country that has been waiting 50 years for a title, we can reach an agreement? He wanted to score, and I deserve credit for stopping him – that's all."
Diaz Takes Responsibility
Following the heartbreaking loss, Brahim Diaz published a statement on his social media platforms taking full responsibility for Morocco's defeat. The Real Madrid winger offered a sincere apology to the Moroccan people, acknowledging the weight of his missed opportunity in a match that had captured the attention of football fans across Africa and beyond.
The AFCON 2025 final will be remembered not only for Senegal's triumph but for the dramatic penalty incident that sparked controversy, emotional exchanges, and potentially career-altering consequences for those involved in one of African football's most memorable championship matches.
