‘No mercy in moments like that’ – Renard criticises Díaz after AFCON final drama
20th January 2026
Former Morocco head coach Hervé Renard has said he would not have forgiven Brahim Díaz for missing a crucial penalty in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, describing the moment as one that carried the weight of an entire nation.
Morocco’s long wait for a second AFCON title came to a painful end on home soil in Rabat, where they were beaten 1-0 by Senegal after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The final was finely balanced when the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty after Díaz was brought down inside the box. The decision sparked chaotic scenes, with Senegalese players angrily protesting and briefly threatening to abandon the match, leading to an 18-minute stoppage.
When play resumed, all eyes turned to Díaz. The Real Madrid midfielder attempted a panenka from the spot, but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy read it perfectly, saving the kick and crushing the hopes of the home crowd.
Senegal went on to seize the moment, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time to secure the Lions of Teranga’s second continental title.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Renard who led Morocco to the quarter-finals of the 2017 AFCON and is now head coach of Saudi Arabia, said such moments demanded total seriousness.
“Missing a penalty is acceptable,” he said, “but in situations like that, I am categorical. I show no leniency.
“It’s disrespectful to an entire country and an entire people who have been striving for success for 50 years.”
Renard’s comments reflect the depth of feeling in Morocco, where hopes of ending a title drought dating back to 1976 were high, especially after the team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Díaz has since publicly apologised to Moroccan supporters, acknowledging the disappointment of the miss and the pain it caused on a night when the nation dared to dream.
For Morocco, the final will be remembered not only for Senegal’s triumph, but for a single moment that swung history the other way and continues to divide opinion long after the final whistle.