Moroccan international Ilyas Bensghir expressed his deep sadness following the Moroccan national team's loss in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal by one goal to nil, and the missed opportunity to win the continental title, while affirming his pride in what the players delivered throughout the tournament.

The Bayer Leverkusen player sent an emotional message via his official Instagram account, noting that losing finals is always painful and becomes even harder when the player watches from off the field, referring to his absence from the final match due to injury.

Bensghir explained that the period he spent with the national team was full of challenges and important moments, pointing out that it greatly contributed to his development both technically and mentally.

He praised the work done by head coach Walid Regragui and the technical staff, thanking them for their trust and commitment, and confirming that the atmosphere within the team was positive, marked by a spirit of cooperation and teamwork throughout the tournament.

The attacking midfielder emphasized that despite its harshness, defeat remains a part of any team's journey, considering that this experience will give the players additional motivation to achieve better results in the future, given the harmony that characterized the national squad.

Bensghir also dedicated a message of thanks to the Moroccan fans, appreciating their continuous support both inside Morocco and abroad, affirming that their backing was a significant factor in the team's journey during the tournament.

He concluded his message on an optimistic note, stressing that the Moroccan national team will return stronger, renewing his commitment to the national team jersey.