Regragui's Insights on the AFCON 2025 Final
In a recent broadcast on Canal+, Walid Regragui, the former head coach of the Moroccan national football team, shared his thoughts on the contentious final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which saw Morocco face off against Senegal. Despite the passage of several months, the aftermath of this significant match continues to provoke discussion, as it raised concerns about the portrayal of African football on the global stage. Regragui expressed his disappointment over the confusion that marred the finale, emphasizing that the events of that night detracted from the overall image of African football.
Regragui lamented that the final, which was expected to showcase the high standards of African football, instead became a platform for negative perceptions. He highlighted the importance of the occasion, noting that both teams represented the pinnacle of African football over the past few years. "We had the opportunity to demonstrate that African football had evolved, with stunning stadiums that met European standards and showcased two of the continent's best teams," he commented. However, the events that unfolded during the match did not reflect this progress, leaving viewers with a less-than-favorable impression.
The Impact of Senegal's Decision to Leave the Field
A key moment that Regragui focused on was the decision made by Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, to withdraw his players from the pitch following a penalty awarded to Morocco in the closing moments of the match. This incident was seen by Regragui as a pivotal misstep, one that tarnished the integrity of the sport. He stated, "As a coach, I feel that such actions do not represent the spirit of fair play. In the end, regardless of the outcome, such a decision casts a shadow over African football."
Moreover, Regragui speculated on whether this prolonged interruption—lasting nearly fifteen minutes—had any influence on the performance of Moroccan player Brahim Diaz during the penalty. He drew parallels to a previous incident involving French star Kylian Mbappé, suggesting that the environment surrounding a penalty kick can significantly affect a player's composure and effectiveness. "In all honesty, it is uncommon for a team to retreat to the locker room for such an extended period, and it creates an embarrassing situation," he remarked.
Looking ahead, the legal implications of the match remain unresolved. Following the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award the title to Morocco, the case is set to be reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Regragui stated he would await the outcome, maintaining that both sides should respect the final decision. The hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, in Lausanne, as the football community continues to reflect on the events that unfolded during this controversial final.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
