The final between Morocco and Senegal was marred by controversy after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty, before returning to win 1–0 after extra time.
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko has described the incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final as “deplorable” and “painful”, as football authorities consider disciplinary action following the match.
The final between Morocco and Senegal was marred by controversy after Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty, before returning to win 1–0 after extra time.
The incident has led to possible sanctions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Speaking at the opening of a Moroccan-Senegalese joint commission in Rabat, one week after the final, Sonko said his visit comes in a context “charged with sporting emotion, deplorable misconduct and images that have at times been painful for two peoples deeply bound to one another.”
He said the incidents should not be exaggerated, noting that “the misbehaviour observed here and there should neither be denied nor dramatised.”
Sonko added that the incidents “should be understood as emotional excesses fuelled by passion, rather than as political or cultural rifts.”
A group of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch in protest following the penalty decision. Eighteen Senegalese supporters have been arrested and will stand trial in Morocco over the incidents.
Since the final, social media users from the two countries have traded accusations, escalating tensions between the nations.
The Moroccan football federation said it was pursuing legal action with CAF and FIFA following the final incidents. CAF said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
In Dakar, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye congratulated the Senegalese team and thanked Morocco for its organisation of the tournament.
Senegal is among Morocco’s closest allies on the continent, with Dakar backing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, where it operates a consulate.
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said at the same event that centuries-old ties with Senegal were strong, but he did not congratulate Senegal on its African Cup win.
Morocco’s king said the tournament was a success for Africa and that the “regrettable incidents” that marred the final would not undermine African fraternity.