CAF have launched an investigation into one of the post-match incidents at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
This comes after serious physical tensions between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
The two nations played to a 1-1 draw in Group F at the Stade de San Pédro. Morocco currently leads the group with four points, while DR Congo are in second place with two points. Both nations have played two games each.
MOROCCO AND DRC UGLY SCENES BEING INVESTIGATED BY CAF
Trouble started after full-time when members of both camps started pushing each other. According to reports, “The Leopards” captain Chancel Mbemba had a heated exchange with Morocco coach Walid Regragui after the final whistle.
It is alleged that Regragui sought Mbemba after the game when the Marseille player was on his knees, giving thanks in a personal moment. In turn, Mbemba took Regragui’s hand and clapped him on the back.
The incident led to a physical tussle between the players and officials from both nations on the field. It continued as they left the field and went down the tunnel.
WALID REGRAGUI IS NOT PROUD OF THE POST-MATCH INCIDENT AT AFCON
The Morocco coach later said he regretted the incident and said he had the utmost respect for Mbemba.
“I have nothing to say about that,” said Regragui during a post-match conference. “Maybe it was the adrenaline that made him respond like that. There’s no problem. I regret [the incident] because neither we nor the DRC were given a good image,” added the 2023 CAF Coach of the Year.
In an official statement on Tuesday, CAF confirmed that investigations on the incident were underway.
“The CAF has launched an investigation against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (“FRMF”) and Congolese Association Football Federation (“FECOFA” following post-match incidents during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 fixture between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“CAF will not make any further comment on this matter until the investigation is complete.”
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