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AFCON Final Penalty Miss: Brahim Diaz Apologises to Moroccan Fans
Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz has apologised to fans after missing a decisive late penalty in the AFCON final against Senegal, taking full responsibility for the miss that preceded Morocco’s extra-time defeat.
Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz has spoken publicly for the first time after missing a decisive late penalty in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, a moment that contributed to Morocco’s extra-time defeat to Senegal.
Diaz missed from the spot deep into stoppage time after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with the score still level. The Real Madrid midfielder attempted a chipped effort, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made the save. Senegal later went on to secure victory in extra time.
In an emotional message shared on X on Monday, the 24-year-old took full responsibility for the miss and issued an apology to Moroccan supporters.
“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,” he wrote.
“Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart.”
Diaz admitted that the disappointment would be difficult to overcome but pledged to remain strong for the fans who stood by him.
“It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound doesn’t heal easily… but I will try. Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and for everyone who suffered with me,” he added.
“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.”
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