Abde Ezzalzouli has sought to strike a note of calm and perspective after Morocco’s painful defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, offering words of support to his team-mate Brahim Diaz following a decisive missed penalty.
Speaking to the press after returning to Spain with Real Betis, Ezzalzouli reflected on Morocco’s narrow loss in a final that was settled in extra time after an intense and closely fought contest.
The Atlas Lions had hoped to crown their campaign with a second continental title, but their ambitions were ultimately denied by Senegal.
“It didn’t end the way we wanted. But it’s still a good result,” Ezzalzouli said, acknowledging both the disappointment of defeat and the progress made by the Moroccan side under Walid Regragui.
The final hinged on a dramatic moment late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty, a decision that provoked strong reactions from Senegalese players.
Brahim Diaz stepped up with the chance to decide the match, but his Panenka attempt failed, a moment that proved pivotal as Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time.
While the miss triggered widespread debate and criticism, Ezzalzouli chose to defend his international team-mate, insisting that the experience would ultimately benefit the Real Madrid forward rather than define him negatively.
“I think it will make him even stronger and make him an even better footballer,” Ezzalzouli said, suggesting that adversity at the highest level can play a crucial role in a player’s development.
Morocco’s run to the final had been marked by resilience and consistency, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
Despite the heartbreak of falling just short, the squad’s collective performance was widely viewed as confirmation of their growing maturity on the continental stage.
Ezzalzouli declined to be drawn into controversy surrounding the reaction of Senegal’s players, who reportedly protested the penalty decision late in the match.
The winger chose instead to focus on the broader picture, underlining the importance of learning from defeat rather than dwelling on moments of dispute.
As the players now return to their clubs, attention will turn to how Morocco build on their AFCON campaign. For individuals such as Diaz, the missed penalty may remain a painful memory, but voices within the squad, including Ezzalzouli’s, suggest it could also become a defining step in his evolution as a player.
