Chaotic Final Versus Senegal Casts Dark Shadow Over Morocco's AFCON Hosting
The disorderly events that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday will always eclipse a competition that, up to that moment, had been a resounding success for the host nation Morocco, both in terms of play and organisation.
All seemed primed for Walid Regraguis Morocco team to solidify their position as Africas dominant football power, with the continents highest ranked squad reaching the final against Senegal in Rabat.
Playing at home undoubtedly added intense pressure on the 2022 World Cup semi finalists, yet it might have subtly favoured them regarding the contentious penalty decision at the end of regular time in the final.
Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala opted to award Morocco a penalty following a VAR review after Brahim Diaz fell in the penalty area under a tackle, sparking outrage among Senegal players and fans.
This sparked the ensuing turmoil, with most of Senegals squad leaving the field on orders from coach Pape Thiaw, while visiting supporters clashed with security and attempted to storm the pitch.
The extraordinary sequence that unfolded, including Diazs penalty being stopped after a prolonged wait and Pape Gueyes extra time goal, enabled Senegal to claim the title.
They now await potential penalties from the Confederation of African Football, which announced on Monday it would implement suitable measures against anyone responsible for unacceptable conduct.
Such repercussions could affect their efforts to retain the AFCON crown at the upcoming event in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda next year.
The actions of Senegal, set to participate in the World Cup in North America come June, drew criticism from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and Thiaw issued an apology post match.
Sometimes reactions occur in the intensity of the moment, Thiaw remarked to French TV just before his press conference was halted due to brawls among reporters.
We now recognise that officials can err and we extend our apologies.
Thiaw faced sharp rebuke from Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who stated: You must uphold dignity in loss and triumph. What Pape did brings no credit to Africa.
Shift Focus to World Cup
The Lions of Teranga are unlikely to dwell on the episodes at present, savouring their second AFCON victory in three tournaments, a feat for a nation without prior successes.
They demonstrated their prowess on the field, led by Sadio Mane nearing his 34th birthday, who encouraged his teammates to resume play.
At the same time, fresh talent is rising, featuring four starters in the final aged 22 or younger, plus 17 year old Paris Saint Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye as a promising substitute.
This prosperous run positions them well for the trip to the United States, facing group foes like France and Norway.
Morocco will join them at the World Cup, aiming to move past this setback and recover.
The tournament had progressed seamlessly until the climax, with Morocco showcasing impressive venues and surfaces that elevated the overall quality of the Cup of Nations.
An bold initiative to construct a 115000 seat stadium close to Casablanca, linked by rapid transit, advances steadily as preparations mount for co hosting the 2030 World Cup.
On the field, the continents premier teams clashing in the decider promised an appealing spectacle theoretically, though the absence of upsets and foreseeable outcomes in prior stages diminished the thrill.
It highlighted the drawbacks of a 24 team format, an awkward size that saps energy from the preliminaries, an issue set to intensify at the forthcoming 48 team World Cup.
Senegal had previously accused the Moroccans ahead of the final, citing inadequate protection for their players amid a public scrum upon arrival in Rabat on Friday.
FIFA must investigate any logistical shortcomings to prevent recurrences at the World Cup.
A further concern for FIFA could involve the Sundays events resembling a revolt against VAR.
Senegals fury over the penalty stemmed from their own goal being nullified for a minor foul at the opposite end shortly before, with no VAR intervention despite its questionable nature.
In other scenarios, Senegals score might have counted while Moroccos penalty overlooked, potentially fuelling their frustration.