The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moroccan Football Penalties
Throughout the years, the penalty spot has transformed into a poignant symbol of both triumph and despair for Moroccan football, as vividly illustrated by notable players like Hakim Ziyech in 2019, Achraf Hakimi in 2024, and Brahim Diaz during the CAN 2025 final. Each significant tournament has showcased moments where the hopes and dreams of athletes teeter on the edge of a twelve-meter mark, a distance that can feel insurmountable for Moroccan teams. Both the men’s and women’s national teams have faced heartbreak at this critical juncture, with several aspirations for glory dashed on this infamous white spot, which at times, has been conquered with remarkable success.
A landmark moment etched in the memories of Moroccan fans occurred on December 6, 2022, in Doha. During the World Cup Round of 16 against Spain, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as a hero, stopping every shot during the penalty shootout (0-0, 3-0 on penalties) and paving the way for Morocco's historic quarter-final advancement. The Lionesses of the Atlas also experienced a similar thrill during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2022, where they triumphed over Nigeria in the semi-finals through penalties (1-1, 5-4 on penalties), thrilling a euphoric crowd in Rabat. Fast forward to 2024, and the team once again exhibited their nerve in high-pressure situations, showcasing an impressive ability to manage the intensity of penalty shootouts.
A History of Heartbreak and Redemption
However, the story of penalties for Morocco is not solely one of glory. In 2019, during the CAN Round of 16 against Benin, Morocco dominated the match but failed to convert a crucial penalty in the 96th minute when Hakim Ziyech’s shot struck the post. This heartbreak was compounded in the ensuing penalty shootout, where Morocco fell short (1-1, 1-4 on penalties), with key misses from players like Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri. Fast forward to the CAN 2023 Round of 16 held in early 2024, and the narrative eerily repeated itself. After trailing 1-0 against South Africa, Morocco earned a penalty in the 85th minute, but Achraf Hakimi's shot hit the crossbar, leading to a 2-0 defeat that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
The pressure mounted further as Morocco approached the CAN 2025 final against Senegal on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With a half-century since their last continental title, the match reached a boiling point in extra time with a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco after a foul on Brahim Diaz. Amid protests from the Senegalese players, the situation escalated, but after a brief hiatus, Diaz approached the penalty spot only to attempt a panenka that was easily saved by keeper Édouard Mendy. Subsequently replaced early in the extra time, Diaz watched as Senegal secured victory with a goal from Pape Gueye, leaving Moroccan fans in disbelief.
The woes continued in the Women’s CAN 2026, also hosted in Morocco, where Yasmin Mrabet faced similar fate. In a group stage match against Senegal, despite dominating the game with multiple scoring opportunities, she failed to convert two penalties, leading to a goalless draw that still saw Morocco advance. However, her missed chances drew ridicule online, reminiscent of Diaz's earlier panenka fiasco. In the subsequent third-place playoff against Algeria, Morocco again faced the agony of a missed penalty in the dying moments, with Nouhaila Benzina striking the post, leading to a crushing defeat in the penalty shootout and marking Algeria's first continental medal.
These recurring tales of missed penalties weave a narrative of an underdog team beleaguered by a perceived curse. Each failure, though unique—ranging from missed opportunities hitting the post or crossbar to the psychological toll of match interruptions—highlights the immense pressure associated with high-stakes football. Yet, Morocco has also demonstrated resilience, successfully navigating the pressure in other instances, particularly through the exemplary performances of players like Yassine Bounou during critical penalty shootouts. The penalty spot, in the realm of elite football, encapsulates the razor-thin margins where mere centimeters or fleeting moments of hesitation can pivot the trajectory of a career or a tournament.
As reported by afrik.com.
