Storytimes Newspapers

  Morocco star Brahim Diaz has tendered his apology for his penalty miss against Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday. Diaz failed to convert from the spot deep into stoppage time after Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review, with the match still goalless. The midfielder’s chipped effort was saved by Edouard Mendy, and Senegal later went on to win the final in extra time. The Real Madrid midfielder, via his X handle, stated that it will be difficult for him to recover from the penalty miss. “Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise with all my heart,” Diaz said via X. “It will be hard for me to recover because this wound does not ⁠heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for all who believed in me and for all who suffered with me. “I will keep going until someday I can give back all this love and be a pride for my Moroccan people.”

  Senegal forward Sadio Mane was named Most Valuable Player, MVP, at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.  Mane registered two goals,and four assists in six appearances for the Terangha Lions in the competition. The 33-year-old played a crucial role in Senegal’s 1-0 final victory over hosts Morocco. Read Also: Gueye’s Extra Time Goal Breaks Morocco’s Heart, Earns Senegal AFCON 2025 Title As Controversy Mars Final Match The former Liverpool star set up Pape Gueye for the winning goal in extra time. Morocco winger, Brahim Diaz won the top scorer award with five goals. Diaz’s teammate, Yassine Bounou was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Morocco also went home with the Fair Play award. By Adeboye Amosu