Moroccan Supporters in Shock and Sorrow as Senegal Secures African Championship
Moroccan supporters left the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the nations capital, overwhelmed by grief after Senegal delivered a surprising victory over the home side in Sundays Africa Cup of Nations final, a match that extended into extra time for an intense conclusion.
Numerous fans of the Atlas Lions started exiting the seating areas even before the concluding whistle on that chilly, rainy evening in Rabat.
"We cried in the final against Tunisia in 2004, and tonight the same scenario repeats itself. Thats very hard to take," said Ismail Korradj, 30, just after the final whistle.
In a cafe in downtown Rabat adorned with Moroccan flags, the defeat hit hard.
Nevertheless, Morocco "lost with their heads held high", said Laila Bourezma, 32. "The defeat leaves us with bitterness, but our players gave everything."
Oumaima Boukrab, 34, noted that Morocco "showed beautiful football throughout the tournament", adding: "The players were excellent. We salute them and were proud of them."
The North African squad was on the verge of breaking a 50 year drought and claiming the trophy when they received a contentious penalty in the dying moments.
However, Senegals Edouard Mendy comfortably stopped a bold Panenka attempt by Brahim Diaz, after prolonged objections from the Senegalese team regarding the penalty call, which halted play for almost 20 minutes as the players left the field.
Just four minutes into extra time, Senegal netted the only goal of the match, leaving the local fans in stunned silence and dashing Moroccos chances of securing the title for the first time since 1976.
Victory for Two African Nations
Senegalese fans assembled near the stadium post match to rejoice in their achievement, marking a second continental success following their 2021 triumph.
"We won, but Morocco is always with us, so its two African countries that won," said 42 year old Senegalese fan Abdoul, who preferred not to share his surname.
The Senegalese contingent was far smaller than the thousands of Moroccans among the 66,526 total attendees at the venue.
Yet their celebrations and happiness resonated strongly.
"Today, Senegal won. Tomorrow, Morocco will win," said Salim Bom, another Senegalese fan. "Theyre our brothers and they welcomed us here."
"Weve been preparing for this great match for a very long time," said 43 year old Senegalese fan Bassirou Gueye.
"However, theres a lot of work that CAF, the AFCON organising body, needs to do regarding the referees."
When Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty near the end, many Senegalese players protested by leaving the pitch.
Some Senegalese fans at the far side of the stadium hurled chairs and items, trying to access the playing area.
Security forces and stewards formed a robust line to hold them back, and their frustration shifted to ecstasy and amazement when the penalty was saved upon resumption.
"Were so happy to have won, but its Africa that won," said Adja Cisse, a 30 year old Senegalese woman.
"Morocco and Senegal are brothers. The cup belongs to Senegal and Morocco. Long live Africa."