'Categorical No Sympathy'! Former AFCON Winning Coach Blasts Brahim Diaz 'Lack Of Respect For Entire Country'

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 18:52 IST

Former AFCON-winning coach Herve Renard lambasted Diaz for the costly error that let down the hosts' nation's hopes in the summit clash in tame fashion.

Morocco's Brahim Abdelkader Díaz takes and misses a penalty kick during the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match between Senegal and Morocco, in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

The Senegalese football team, who lifted their second African Cup of Nations title with their iconic win over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2026 edition of the continental championships with a dramatic 1-0 win.

The Lions of Teranga were greeted by thousands of jubilant fans, including the President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, upon their arrival.

Pape Gueye produced the telling touch of the game after Brahim Diaz had missed from the spot mere minutes ago as the Moroccan’s tame panenka was collected by Eduardo Mendy.

Former AFCON-winning coach Herve Renard lambasted Diaz for the costly error that let down the hosts’ nation’s hopes in the summit clash in tame fashion.

“You have the right to miss a penalty, but in such a case, I am categorical that I have no sympathy."

“It’s a lack of respect for an entire country and an entire people seeking a success for 50 years."

The game was marred by Senegal’s decision to walk off before the conclusion of the game in protest of the spot kick handed to the home team, which led to a nearly 20-minute pause as the players walked off the pitch in anger. Some Senegalese fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to enter the field of play.

Senegal scored the game’s only goal four minutes into extra time after the players returned to the pitch following an appeal from star forward Sadio Mane.

Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s leading goal-scorer, stepped up to take the all-important spot kick only to miss in dramatic fashion as Eduardo Mendy kept the ball from crossing the line and held on to it as Diaz welled up at the though of his expensive experiment.

News sports football 'Categorical No Sympathy'! Former AFCON Winning Coach Blasts Brahim Diaz 'Lack Of Respect For Entire Country'

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