Morocco's 50-year wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations title continues after a dramatic final defeat to Senegal in Rabat. Brahim Díaz missed a late penalty in added time, with the game going to extra time where Pape Gueye scored the winner in the 94th minute. The defeat has sparked intense media reaction in Morocco, with headlines lamenting the missed opportunity.
Le360.ma declared: 'There will be no second star for Morocco,' referencing the symbol of an Afcon title sewn onto the winning team's shirt. 'The dream and the ambition will have to wait some time,' wrote Abdelkader El-Aine. The hosts had started to dream of a second title, but the final turned into a nightmare.
Coach Walid Regragui faced calls to resign despite his impressive record, which includes a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Le Matin reported: 'Regragui didn’t bring the cup like he promised.' Hesport.com noted that Morocco won awards for best goalkeeper, top scorer and fair play, but 'the big one eluded them.'
Regragui avoided answering questions about his future in the post-match press conference, according to Elbotola.com. Díaz, who attempted a Panenka penalty that was easily saved, apologised to the Moroccan people, as reported by Rue20.com. Senegal, meanwhile, celebrated a second Afcon title under coach Pape Thiaw, with RTS calling it 'a historical second title for Senegal, acquired at the end of an intense final, marked by controversy.'
