Morocco vs Senegal: Awaiting the Verdict
Nearly eight months have passed since the intense final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Morocco and Senegal, and the question of who emerged victorious remains unresolved. Discussing the aftermath on the Canal Football Club, where he now serves as a consultant, Walid Regragui, the former Moroccan coach, expressed his frustration over the prolonged wait for a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He lamented the negative spectacle that unfolded during the match, which he believes tarnished the image of African football.
Regragui asserted, "The real loser today is African football! We had a grand final, showcasing the two best teams in Africa over the last five to six years. It was an opportunity to celebrate and demonstrate that African football has reached new heights, with stadiums that meet European standards. However, the events that transpired only highlighted the negative stereotypes often associated with African football. We failed to present a positive image to the world."
Regragui's Ongoing Frustration
Despite acknowledging faults on both sides, Regragui did not spare criticism for Senegal, referring to their decision to leave the pitch when a penalty was awarded to Morocco. He stated, "I hold some resentment towards the Senegalese coach because that decision did not reflect well on our sport. Whether you win or lose, such actions tarnish the reputation of African football. This final only validated the criticisms directed at us."
Regragui recalled the moment when Senegal's players retreated to the locker room mid-match, with some even taking time to post on social media. He speculated whether this disruption might have influenced his players’ performance, particularly in the context of penalty taking. He cited the example of Kylian Mbappé, who mentioned that his own missed penalty against Morocco in the World Cup was affected by an interruption during the game.
As reported by sports.fr.
