Former Morocco head coach Hervé Renard has launched a scathing critique of Brahim Diaz following the winger’s failed Panenka penalty in the closing moments of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.

Diaz, who plays for Real Madrid, had the opportunity to secure Morocco’s first AFCON title in 50 years when he stepped up to take a stoppage-time penalty in Rabat. However, in a night filled with drama and controversy, the winger attempted an audacious Panenka that was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The penalty was awarded after Diaz was pulled down in the box by El Hadji Malick Diouf, just minutes after Senegal had a goal disallowed. The decision sparked outrage among the Senegalese players, who temporarily walked off the pitch on the instruction of head coach Pape Thiaw.

After a 17-minute delay, play resumed, leaving Diaz with what proved to be the final kick of normal time.
Senegal went on to win the final 1–0 in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal.

Reacting to the incident, Renard — a two-time AFCON-winning coach with Zambia in 2012 and Cote d’Ivoire in 2015 — said Diaz’s choice of penalty showed a serious lack of judgment.

“You can miss a penalty, but in that situation I am categorical — I have no compassion,” Renard told Le Parisien. “It was a lack of respect for an entire country and a whole people who have been waiting for success for 50 years.”

Now head coach of Saudi Arabia, Renard recalled a similar incident during the Arab Cup, when one of his players missed a Panenka against Morocco. He said he insisted the player accompany him to a press conference to apologise.
Diaz has since issued a public apology, expressing deep regret over the miss.

“My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title, I failed and I take full responsibility,” Diaz wrote on social media. “I apologise from the bottom of my heart. It will be hard to recover because this wound doesn’t heal easily — but I will try.”

The Morocco winger is expected to return to Real Madrid this week as he turns his focus back to club football.