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Morocco boss Walid Regragui says Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz was 'disturbed' before his shocking penalty miss in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The 26-year-old was handed a golden opportunity to end the host nation's 50-year wait for an AFCON title, butchose to Panenka his penalty which floated straight into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Diaz's penalty came after a lengthy stoppage after the Senegalese players left the pitch in protest at the referee and VAR's decision to award a penalty. There was a 17 minute wait for the spot kick to be taken, with former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy comfortably grabbing the shot as it floated through the air. Senegal would go on to win the final with a goal from Pepe Gueye in extra-time.

Morocco manager Regragui has come to the defence of his striker, suggesting that the prolonged wait affected the Real star. "He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him," he stated.

"But we can't change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forwards now."

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Mendy dismissed claims that Diaz deliberately missed his last-minute penalty, with the Madrid forward in tears after the final whistle. He enjoyed an impressive tournament and finished as the competition's top scorer, but missed the important penalty.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper said: "Did Brahim missed the penalty on purpose? No, of course not. We have to be serious. Do you really think that with one minute left and a country that has been waiting 50 years for a title, we can reach an agreement? He wanted to score and I deserve credit for stopping him, that's all."

Diaz was devastated following his penalty miss and apologised to the entire Morocco squad in the changing room before breaking down in tears. DZfoot has reported that certain team officials are understood to be livid and haven't forgiven him.

Mendy, currently playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, expressed pride in Senegal's comeback to win their second AFCON title in five years. Former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane played a crucial role in persuading his teammates to return to the pitch following their protest.

"What did we say to each other? That's between us," Mendy revealed. "We did it together and we came back together, that's all that matters. We can be proud."