Brahim Diaz speaks up on missing penalty in AFCON final

Brahim Diaz has spoken up after his missed Panenka-style penalty that cost Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations title against Senegal.

Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the AFCON title for the second time in four years.

The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty after he was advised by video assistant referee (VAR) to review El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.

After a review, it was found that Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full-back Malick Diouf while defending a corner kick five minutes into stoppage time.

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, who was unhappy when their opening goal was disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi earlier, was furious after the penalty was awarded and stormed off the pitch alongside the majority of the team players, leading to a delay of 14 minutes.

Talisman Sadio Mane persuaded Senegal’s players to return, and the match resumed.

Once the players returned to the field, Brahim Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip, and his soft penalty effort sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Diaz won the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals(5) in the tournament, but was on the losing side.

The Real Madrid forward took to Instagram to express his disappointment over the result of the match and his missed penalty. He apologised to fans and said that it was hurtful, and he will try to win something big for Morocco to return love and happiness to his people.

"My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title because of all the love you guys have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel like I wasn't alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all. I failed yesterday and I take full responsibility and I sincerely apologize,” Diaz wrote.

“It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not because of me, but for all who believed in me and for all who suffered with me. I will keep going until one day I can return all this love and be the pride for my Moroccan people.”