Morocco opens case against Senegal for Interrupting AFCON Final

By Macdella Eyong Bessong

Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon

The Moroccan Football Federation has officially announced it will launch a formal complaint to CAF and FIFA following Senegal’s abandonment of play during the AFCON final on January 18.

According to the FRMF, the break significantly influenced the normal flow of the game.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts..” part of the official statement from FRMF read.

They added the delay greatly had a negative impact on the players performance, as Morocco narrowly lost to Senegal 1-0 deep into extra time, extending their 50-year wait for the crown.

This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance”

What led to this Release 

Senegalese players,had temporarily left the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision during this decisive match, after a questionable penalty was awarded to Morocco deep into added time. With just two minutes left to the final whistle, Senegal cried foul and almost discontinued the game.

After over ten minutes of having this game on halt and with the intervention of leaders from the Senegalese team including Sadio Mane, the players returned to the pitch and play continued.

Brahim Diaz who won the penalty, walked up to the spot to face Edouard Mendy but his Penanka-style penalty was saved without stress by the latter.

His miss took the intense and already dramatic clash to extra time. At this point, leveled scores almost meant the ability of both keepers will be tested on shoutouts just as the weight of coverting will be on the players chasing AFCON Glory.

This probability turned to early celebration for team Senegal and its supporters after Pape Gueye’s left footed strike to the back of Yassine Bonou’s net, sent shock waves around the stadium and beyond. His goal was the lone in the game and eventual winning goal that fetched Senegal a second AFCON title.

Morocco’s efforts in the dieing minutes of the game were futile and as Jacques Ndala sounded his final whistle, this meant the Atlas Lions not only finish runners up on home soil but extend their 50-year wait for a second.