Morocco manager Regragui criticises disgraceful incidents in AFCON final loss

Morocco manager Walid Regragui condemned the disgraceful events that spoiled Sundays Africa Cup of Nations final, during which Senegal players left the field in protest near the end of the game before returning to claim victory in extra time.

The picture we presented of African football was quite embarrassing. Halting the match for over 10 minutes with a global audience watching lacks elegance, Regragui remarked following the hosts narrow 1-0 defeat in Rabat.

Morocco had a prime opportunity to secure the trophy when they received a penalty deep into added time at the conclusion of regular play, with the score still level.

Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty after a VAR review of a foul on Brahim Diaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Senegal players reacted with anger to the call, and several departed the pitch in frustration, while some furious Senegalese fans hurled items and clashed with security as they tried to access the playing area.

The game paused for nearly 20 minutes before Diaz could attempt the kick, and his feeble Panenka style effort was comfortably stopped.

The contest proceeded to extra time, where Pape Gueyes brilliant goal for Senegal sealed the win, marking their second title success.

He had ample time prior to the penalty, which likely affected his focus, Regragui commented about Real Madrid forward Diaz, who had excelled throughout the tournament until then.

However, we cannot alter the outcome. That was his method for the spot-kick. Our focus must now shift ahead.

Morocco were eager to triumph before their home supporters and claim the African crown for the second time, fifty years on from their previous continental victory.

This loss marked the first defeat for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists since their last-16 exit to South Africa in the prior AFCON in 2024.

They received praise from Moroccos king, Mohammed VI, for their efforts despite the setback.

Next, they need to regroup for the World Cup starting in North America this June, where they face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the opening group.

Football can be harsh at times, and today we fell short. In a final, opportunities are scarce, and you must capitalise on them, stated Regragui, who featured in Moroccos previous final appearance, a 2004 loss to Tunisia.

That late penalty might have brought us the championship, but it was not meant to be. We could discuss it endlessly, yet I trust this team will return even more resilient.

Now we understand the demands of reaching a final, our first in 22 years.

We squandered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Compounding the issue, Regragui expressed concern that forward Hamza Igamane might have torn his ACL after a late substitution.