Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has strongly criticised the chaotic scenes that overshadowed Sunday night’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, describing them as damaging to the image of African football. Speaking after Morocco’s dramatic 1-0 defeat to Senegal at a packed Rabat stadium, Regragui said the lengthy stoppage caused by Senegal players walking off the pitch was unacceptable on such a global stage.
Coach Laments Disruption in Showpiece Match
The image we presented to the world was shameful. Stopping a final for more than 10 minutes while the whole world is watching is not something to be proud of
Walid RegraguiThe final was thrown into disarray late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review ruled that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz inside the box. The decision sparked fury among Senegal’s players, with several leaving the field in protest. The situation escalated in the stands as some Senegal supporters attempted to invade the pitch, throwing objects and clashing with stewards. The match was halted for nearly 20 minutes before play resumed.
Missed Penalty Proves Costly
When order was finally restored, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his softly struck Panenka was comfortably saved, denying Morocco a late winner.
Senegal Strike in Extra Time
The game went into extra time, where Senegal eventually sealed victory through a spectacular goal from Pape Gueye, clinching their second AFCON title. For Morocco, the defeat was particularly painful as they had hoped to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976.
End of Long Unbeaten Run
The loss marked Morocco’s first defeat since their elimination by South Africa at the round-of-16 stage of the 2024 AFCON, ending an impressive unbeaten run for the Atlas Lions. Despite the disappointment, the team received words of encouragement from King Mohammed VI, who praised their overall performance and commitment throughout the tournament. Regragui urged his players to regroup quickly with the FIFA World Cup looming later this year in North America, where Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage.
Injury Concerns for Igamane
To compound Morocco’s misery, Regragui revealed concerns over striker Hamza Igamane, who was forced off late in the match. The coach fears the forward may have suffered a serious knee injury, possibly a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
