HIBAPRESS – Sports
The Moroccan national team received a painful blow after losing the 2025 African Cup of Nations final to Senegal with a score of one goal to nil, in a match hosted by the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which witnessed dramatic moments that held the breath of the fans until the last seconds.
The loss came with a shocking scenario, after Ibrahim Diaz missed a penalty in the 90+13th minute of the original time, which could have tipped the balance in favor of the "Atlas Lions" and decided the title on home soil. Only a few minutes passed after the start of the extra time until the Moroccan national team received a killer goal in the 94th minute through Pape Gueye, giving Senegal the continental title.
Here are the most prominent reasons that led Morocco to the loss of the dream of the African title on its soil and among its fans:
Wasting Easy Chances
In the finals, wasting available chances is not allowed, but the Moroccan national team lacked attacking efficiency despite its control of long periods of the match. The players fired 20 balls towards the goal of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, without translating the numerical superiority into goals, with the loss of three clear chances that could have changed the course of the match.
Penalty that Changed the Balance
The scene of the missed penalty turned into the most controversial point, as Ibrahim Diaz found himself under wide criticism. Despite presenting a distinguished championship, his choice of shooting in the "Panenka" style at a crucial moment cost the team dearly, and cast a shadow over everything the player offered during the match.
Senegalese Maneuver that Upset the Calculations
The Senegalese national team resorted to a clever trick after the penalty was awarded in the 90+8th minute, when their players left the field towards the dressing rooms, which confused the Moroccan players and made them lose focus, and increased the psychological pressure on the penalty taker. After the return, the "Atlas Lions" did not succeed in regaining their mental balance.
Clear Physical Fatigue
The physical fitness factor played a decisive role in the final, as the Moroccan national team appeared less ready compared to Senegal. The "Atlas Lions" played an exhausting semi-final against Nigeria that extended to 120 minutes and was decided by penalty kicks, before they had to play a long final match against a Senegalese team that was more physically refreshed.
Lack of Individual Impact
The performance of some key players declined noticeably during the final, which negatively affected the collective performance. Names like Ismael Saibari, Ibrahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were unable to take advantage of the available opportunities, in a match that needed a decisive touch from the first-class stars.
