Morocco boss Regragui bemoans ´disappointing image´ after AFCON final defeat

Morocco coach Walid Regragui rued the “disappointing image” of African football during their dramatic AFCON final defeat to Senegal, while bemoaning the “unhealthy” perception of his side throughout the tournament.

The host nation suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss after over 120 minutes of drama in Rabat, where the Atlas Lions squandered a golden opportunity to snatch victory with the last kick of regulation time.

After Senegal saw Ismaila Sarr’s stoppage-time goal harshly ruled out, the Lions of Teranga were ordered from the field by head coach Pape Thiaw when the host nation were awarded a last-gasp penalty.

Yet, when play finally resumed just under 20 minutes later, Brahim Diaz’s awful Panenka attempt was easily gathered by Edouard Mendy, before Pape Sarr’s thumping strike in extra-time proved decisive.

“We are really disappointed for all the Moroccan people,” Regragui said. “When you get a penalty in the last minute, you can see victory very close. But, in the end, football catches up with you.

Morocco win the Fair Play Team of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025.pic.twitter.com/dUQdXfKbPB

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026

“We congratulate Senegal, even if what we showed of African football was disappointing, given everything that happened when the penalty was awarded.”

Morocco are the fourth host country to lose in the final of an Africa Cup of Nations, and only the second to do so after extra-time, following Tunisia in 1965.

The build-up to the showpiece was marred when the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) highlighted issues with their team’s security, transport, accommodation and training arrangements in a statement directed at the tournament’s organisers, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

And Regragui was saddened by multiple suggestions of favourable treatment towards his side throughout the tournament.

“Well, since the beginning of the competition, it was unhealthy, it’s a shame,” he added. “We’re going to congratulate [Senegal]. We’re going to keep working. Morocco will come back stronger.”