Morocco consider their profitable enchantment in opposition to their 1-0 defeat by Senegal means the case of the AFCON crown is closed.
Printed On 28 Mar 2026
Senegal should still possess the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy and have launched a authorized battle in opposition to the choice to strip them of it, however so far as new champions Morocco are involved, the case is closed.
Though the Atlas Lions lost 1-0 within the January ultimate, the Confederation of African Soccer awarded them a 3-0 victory final week due to a number of Senegal gamers leaving the pitch in protest on the award of a penalty.
Really useful Tales
record of 4 objectsfinish of record
Morocco drew 1-1 against Ecuador on Friday in a pleasant in Madrid, of their first match because the ultimate and the controversial choice to punish Senegal.
It was new coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s first recreation on the helm, simply three months out from the 2026 World Cup.
After turning into the primary African facet to achieve the ultimate 4 in Qatar in 2022, expectations are excessive for Morocco, they usually wish to the longer term, regardless of Senegal’s outrage.
“We’re centered on what’s to come back and never entering into that [topic],” Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou informed reporters.
“The reply from us [about whether the decision was fair] can be what our federation stated, and that’s all … we’re trying forwards.”
1000’s of Morocco followers, many draped of their nation’s flag and tooting vuvuzelas, are satisfied justice was served.
“If somebody says there are laws, it’s a must to observe them,” stated Yassine el-Aouak, 35, a Morocco supporter who travelled to the sport from Italy.
“I feel we are going to convey the trophy residence [eventually] – we all know that we deserve it.”
Earlier than being awarded victory in opposition to Senegal, Morocco had received the Africa Cup of Nations solely as soon as, in 1976.
“The principles are the principles … they’re so clear, you go exterior the pitch with none motive, you lose 3-0,” stated one other Morocco supporter, Taha El Hadiguy, 22.
“It’s very totally different to profitable on the evening of the ultimate, to win two months later, however a win is a win. We have now yet one more star on our shirt.”
Just like the gamers, the Moroccan media was extra involved with the upcoming World Cup and Ouahbi’s tactical strategy than whether or not Senegal are proper to really feel aggrieved.
Ecuador’s coach Sebastian Beccacece stated his have been happy with a draw in opposition to the “African champions”.
Ouahbi’s group are actually technically unbeaten in 25 matches, regardless of falling 1-0 on a dramatic evening in Rabat in opposition to Senegal within the AFCON ultimate.
They lacked precision in assault in opposition to Ecuador, however Ouahbi, who led Moroccan kids to Below-20 World Cup glory final yr, highlighted the power of his group.
“I don’t speak when it comes to weaknesses. They’re not weaknesses. We’re a top-level group – the Ecuadorian coach reminded us of that,” Ouhabi informed reporters.
“If you’re a top-level group, ranked eighth on this planet and World Cup semifinalists, you don’t have weaknesses.
“You solely have strengths, after which any qualities we’re lacking, areas the place we’re not performing, we’ve to make up for collectively.”
Morocco will face report five-time World Cup winners Brazil of their first recreation on the match this summer season on June 13, one of the crucial intriguing match-ups of the group part.
Earlier than then, the Moroccan Federation’s attorneys might should defend their standing as African champions in opposition to Senegal’s case, however Ouahbi and his gamers are solely trying ahead to the summer season, once they have an opportunity to win one other trophy, this time on the pitch.
