Panenka Shock in AFCON Final: Saiss on Diaz's Bold Miss and Morocco's heartbreak
5 March 2026
Saiss recalls moments of shock
Moroccan international defender Romain Saiss spoke with emotion about the moments of the 2025 Africa Cup final against Senegal, which Morocco lost 1-0 in extra time.
Saiss described the penalty, taken by teammate Ibrahim Diaz, as the hard moment that put everyone under pressure.
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According to the Moroccan newspaper Al-Botola (via Colinterview), Saiss expressed astonishment at the kick's execution, saying: "When I saw Ibrahim strike it Panenka-style, I covered my face and could not believe his choice at that decisive moment; it felt unreal"
Saiss added that suggesting deliberate miss is nonsense, noting Diaz wanted to become a hero with that shot, but failed—a valuable lesson that could make him stronger in the future and perhaps wiser next time.
He described his mood after the final whistle: "I felt emptiness and shock, as if in a nightmare, unable to cry or vent, and wondering how the trophy slipped away so late"
PUNCHLINE: That Panenka was so bold the net nearly filed a complaint for assault on the goalkeeper's dignity.
PUNCHLINE: Lesson learned—never trust a Panenka in a final; the trophy's flying solo.
