Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has taken a massive dig at his Senegal counterpart, Pape Thiaw, and his footballers, after the latter asked his players to walk off the field in protest at a controversial penalty decision, in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18.
The final was mired in controversy as Senegal edged a 1-0 win. A disputed penalty against Senegal sparked a walk-off protest from some of their footballers, while fans also attempted to rush onto the field.
Senegal had a goal ruled out in the second minute of stoppage time because of a foul by Abdoulaye Seck. Replays, however, showed minimal contact on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who fell just before Seck’s header struck the post, permitting Moussa Niakhate to score on the rebound.
“The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching isn’t very classy,” Regragui said after the match.
The game was still goalless when a penalty was awarded deep into injury time. After a VAR review, the referee handed the spot-kick after defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Diaz.
Senegal’s footballers were furious at the decision, with multiple players walking off the field in protest. Meanwhile, some Senegalese fans clashed with stewards, threw objects and tried to enter the field, forcing a nearly 20-minute stoppage.
When the footballers returned, spurred on by Sadio Mané, Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka, only for it to be saved.
“He (Diaz) had a lot of time before taking the penalty, which must have disturbed him. But we cannot change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forward now,” Regragui said.
In extra time, Papa Gueye’s brilliant strike sealed the victory, handing Senegal the title.
