Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has expressed frustration with the officiating following his team’s dramatic loss to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting that crucial late decisions cost his side the title.
Speaking after the match, Regragui said Morocco had done enough to win before the game took an unexpected turn in the closing moments. He described the encounter as having a “Hitchcock-like ending,” arguing that refereeing decisions altered the course of the final.
“We did everything today and deserved to win, but the referee saw things differently,” Regragui stated.
The key incidents unfolded deep into stoppage time. A Senegal goal was first ruled out, before Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review — a decision that caused confusion and unrest in the stadium.
In response, Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest, forcing a lengthy stoppage before play resumed.
When the match restarted, Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, attempting a Panenka that failed to find the net. The miss proved decisive, as Senegal recovered and eventually secured a 1–0 victory in extra time.
After the final whistle, Regragui faced tough questions from reporters, with some even calling for his resignation despite his impressive record, including a 26-game unbeaten run since guiding Morocco to the World Cup semi-finals.
The 49-year-old coach remained resolute, calling for patience and reflection. “Winning the Africa Cup is never easy. We came very close, and the disappointment is natural. But in football, you must accept what happened, stay humble, and work hard to come back stronger, inshallah,” he said.