Morocco coach Walid Regragui has shouldered responsibility for his outfit fit inability to secure the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Atlas Lions succumbed to a narrow defeat at the continental showpiece in a crazy scenario at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after 120 minutes on Sunday night.
Senegal had left the field after referee Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty kick to Morocco, minutes after disallowing a goal for the Taranga Lions.
But Sadio Mane urged his teammates to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match. Their return paid off, with Pape Gueye netting the match winner after Brahim Diaz had squandered a penalty kick.
“It’s regrettable that the Senegalese coach resorted to asking his players to leave the field, because such behavior tarnishes the reputation of football. However, this doesn’t prevent us from congratulating the Senegalese team on their victory and ensuring we remain dignified.”
Regragui took full responsibility for his tactical choices, both in the final and throughout the tournament, acknowledging that any decision becomes subject to criticism when the result is negative. “I take responsibility for this failure.”
For the first time, Senegal has triumphed over the host nation after five previous attempts without a victory against the home team.
The Taranga Lions now hold the second-longest unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations with 18 matches, after Egypt, who hold the record with 24 matches.
Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions has been absent from the podium in the Africa Cup of Nations for 50 years, since winning the title in 1976.
