Brahim Diaz has apologised to Moroccan fans after his missed penalty cost Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The Real Madrid player spoke out on Monday, a day after the defeat, promising supporters he would repay their faith. “My soul is aching,” Diaz wrote on Instagram. “I dreamt of this title because of all the love you have given me, for every message, for every show of support that made me feel like I’m not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all.”
Diaz won a penalty in added time after going down while challenging for a corner. Following a lengthy video review and protests from Senegal players, he attempted a chipped spot kick to deceive goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The effort failed, with Mendy catching the ball, before Senegal went on to win the final in extra time.
“I failed and I take full responsibility, and apologise with all my heart,” Diaz said.
Reflecting on the setback, he added: “It’s going to be hard for me to get up, because this wound doesn’t heal easily, but I’ll try. Not for me, but for all those who believed in me, and for all who suffer with me.
“I will keep going forward until one day I can return all this love to you and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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