With a solemn face and a dignified speech, Walid Regragui did not conceal the pain. « Very, very tough, I won’t lie to you. We were less than a minute away from being African champions, » he declared at the outset.
A final that slipped away, a minute short of history
According to Regragui, Morocco had never come so close to a continental triumph. « I believe we have never been as close to an African Cup as today, » he said. That proximity made the fall even more brutal, especially for a nation that has waited decades for this title.
« It is especially unfortunate for the Moroccan people. It hurts deeply, » he added.
A balanced match, a cruel scenario
Regragui emphasized the game was far from one-sided. « It was a balanced match, we knew it would be decided by details. »
« The image speaks for itself – a boxing match, » Regragui said. Two teams traded blows, with highlights on both sides. Possession, shots, opportunities: “almost fifty‑fifty. »
In a final, the coach reminded, « the few chances we have, we must take. » This time, the detail tipped the wrong way.
The turning point: a missed penalty and ten men
The scenario took a dramatic turn after the missed penalty in the final seconds of regular time. « From the moment we missed the penalty, everything turned against us, » Regragui said.
In addition, Igamane’s injury forced Morocco to finish the match with ten players. « I think he tore his cruciate ligament, » he explained, mentioning a tough blow both personally and athletically.
« Finishing a final with ten players, it’s very difficult to achieve something, » he acknowledged.
Brahim Diaz and the coach’s responsibility
Asked about the penalty missed by Brahim Diaz, Walid Regragui refused to single out the player. « We take responsibility, » he repeated, taking it upon himself.
The coach noted the long interruptions before the attempt. « There was a lot of time before he took the shot, it must have disturbed him. » Without offering excuses, he stressed that « winning or losing, it’s together. »
Hitting the crossbar, keeping faith, never giving up – for the coach, the team showed « a good image of Moroccan football. »
« You have to swallow the poison, » he said, in a strong statement. « Accept the defeat, to come back stronger. »
A generation called to return
Recalling that Morocco had not reached a CAN final in twenty-two years, Regragui called for continuity. « This group now knows the way to reach the final », he said.
Youthful and promising, this generation will have to learn from the pain. « They will learn, and I am convinced they will come back stronger. »
Before concluding, the coach congratulated Senegal while fully accepting the setback: « If someone has to be held responsible, it’s me. »
A simple, straightforward line summed up a press conference marked by sadness but also unwavering conviction: Morocco fell, yet did not retreat.
