Renard blasts Diaz’s Panenka as ‘disrespectful’ to Morocco’s AFCON 2025 dream
Two-time AFCON-winning coach Hervé Renard says he does not hold any sympathy for Brahim Diaz over his Panenka penalty in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Senegal.
In rather controversial circumstances, Morocco were awarded a penalty in the final minutes of the 2025 AFCON grand finale in Rabat on Sunday.
The Real Madrid forward was presented with the chance to further extend his position as the tournament’s top scorer. After much disruption by the Senegalese team, which had retreated to the dressing room in protest against the referee’s decision, Diaz decided to chip the ball low into the middle.
His effort landed safely into the waiting hands of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The Teranga Lions eventually went on to score the only goal of the game four minutes into extra time through an audacious strike by Pape Gueye.
Renard, who guided Zambia and Ivory Coast to AFCON titles in 2012 and 2015 respectively, said he took exception to Diaz’s decision to attempt a Panenka at such a crucial moment in history.
‘The Brahim Diaz Panenka penalty? You have the right to miss a penalty, but in such a case, I am categorical that I have no sympathy,’ he said, according to Complete Football 247.
‘It’s a lack of respect for an entire country and an entire people seeking success for 50 years.’
The 26-year-old has apologized to his country and teammates, saying his ‘soul hurts’ whenever he reflects on the missed crucial kick.
