Morocco midfielder El Khannous yet to recover from AFCON shock

Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannous is yet to get over the shock of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations loss to Senegal last Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The hosts were put at an advantage to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations trophy but Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz shot a late penalty into the arms of Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.

A relentless Senegal lifted their second AFCON cup following a solitary strike from Pape Gueye, a goal that sent shivers down the spine of Moroccans.

The 21-year-old Khannous, who plies his trade in Germany for VFB Stuttgart, admitted that leaving with the shock of the defeat is unimaginable.

Morocco last won the tournament in 1976

“It is hard to find the words in such moments. I want to thank His Majesty for the tremendous work done over the years for Moroccan football, and for organizing this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which was the most beautiful in the history of the competition. It was a great honor and pride to defend my country’s colors during this tournament,” he wrote a post that is circulating on social media platforms

“We lived together for a whole month, full of wonderful moments, like one family,” he added. “Thanks to the coach, his staff, and all the silent soldiers who worked with us. We gave everything we had until the very last minute.”

“Watching the clips is painful, of course, but it will make us stronger and more determined in the future,” he said. “Thank you to all Moroccans for your support from the beginning to the end. I am forever proud to be Moroccan and proud to wear my country’s colors. God, Homeland, King… Dima Maghrib.”

Morocco must wait for the 2027 Africa Cup Nations to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to stand a chance of breaking their 50-year drought. The Atlas Lions last won the tournament in 1976.

A final decided by fine margins

Morocco had opportunities to tilt the final in their favour. The most decisive came late in the match when Brahim Díaz stepped up to take a penalty that could have changed the course of history. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy guessed correctly and smothered the effort, a moment that silenced the stadium and shifted the momentum irreversibly.

Senegal, who had grown in confidence as the match wore on, eventually struck through Pape Gueye, whose solitary goal sent shockwaves through Moroccan supporters and secured the Teranga Lions’ second AFCON crown.

El Khannous: “It is hard to find the words”

For El Khannous, one of Morocco’s standout young performers at the tournament, the defeat remains difficult to process. Now plying his trade in Germany with VfB Stuttgart, the 21-year-old took to social media to express his emotions in a heartfelt message that has resonated widely.

“It is hard to find the words in such moments,” El Khannous wrote.
“I want to thank His Majesty for the tremendous work done over the years for Moroccan football, and for organizing this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which was the most beautiful in the history of the competition.”

The midfielder also reflected on the sense of unity within the squad throughout the month-long tournament.

“We lived together for a whole month, full of wonderful moments, like one family,” he added.
“Thanks to the coach, his staff, and all the silent soldiers who worked with us. We gave everything we had until the very last minute.”

Pain today, strength for tomorrow

Despite the disappointment, El Khannous believes the experience will serve as a foundation for future success rather than a permanent scar.

“Watching the clips is painful, of course, but it will make us stronger and more determined in the future,” he said.
“Thank you to all Moroccans for your support from the beginning to the end. I am forever proud to be Moroccan and proud to wear my country’s colors. God, Homeland, King… Dima Maghrib.”

His words echo the sentiment of a generation of Moroccan players who have come agonisingly close to continental glory but remain convinced that success is inevitable.

A nation still waiting since 1976

Morocco’s last Africa Cup of Nations triumph dates back to 1976, when the Atlas Lions lifted the trophy in Ethiopia. Since then, several golden generations have emerged, producing world-class talents and deep tournament runs, yet continental silverware has remained elusive.

The 2025 edition, hosted in Morocco, was widely seen as the perfect opportunity to end that long wait. The infrastructure, organisation, and passionate home support all pointed towards a historic triumph, making the final defeat even more painful for players and fans alike.

Eyes on 2027 and beyond

With AFCON 2025 now in the past, Morocco must turn their attention to the future. The next edition of the tournament will take place in 2027, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. By then, El Khannous and several of his teammates will be entering their prime years, armed with experience gained from both club football in Europe and high-pressure international matches.

For Morocco, the challenge will be to channel the frustration of this loss into renewed ambition. The Atlas Lions have already proven they can compete with the best in Africa. The task now is to cross that final hurdle.

A heartbreak that may define a generation

While the defeat to Senegal will linger in Moroccan memory, it could also become a defining moment—one that hardens resolve and sharpens belief. For Bilal El Khannous, the pain is still fresh, but so too is the pride of representing his country on the biggest African stage.

As Morocco looks ahead to 2027, one message from the young midfielder stands out above all: the dream is bruised, not broken—and the hunger to finally lift the AFCON trophy burns brighter than ever.