A fight erupted between Morocco and DR Congo players and coaching staff at the expiration of their stalemate at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
The clash boiled over in the culminating stage with players and coaching staff of both nations going at each other in what has now been tagged an "AFCON fight".
Morocco drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their second group affair, with Achraf Hakimi taking the Atlas Lions ahead in the 6th minute.
Fourteen minutes before the culmination of the clash, Silas Mvumpa brought the Leopards back into the game in a remarkable fashion.
Anyway, the encounter which looked appealing to the fans and neutrals turned into an unfortunate fight following the full-time whistle.
The AFCON fight reportedly occurred after Morocco boss Walid Regragui approached the captain of DR Congo Chancel Mbemba, who had initially received a yellow card for arguing with the referee.
It appeared Regragui said certain things that Mbemba wasn't in agreement with and he made signs for the video referee to intervene.
Subsequently, players of both teams rushed in and were pushing and shoving each other, with match officials finding it difficult to manage the situation.
The incident didn't end on the pitch as the fight was also witnessed when the players got into and around the stadium tunnel.
Al Hilal and Moroccan goalie Yassine Bounou were seen holding back his teammate who wanted to have a go at a player from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, Bounou's attempt to hold back his teammate was fruitless and it is uncertain what ensued afterwards.
Unfortunately, following the intense clash, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba was racially abused by some individuals alleged to be Moroccan supporters.
It is expected that CAF’s Disciplinary Committee will weigh in on the AFCON fight soon, dishing out needed punishments to the appropriate parties.
Speaking after the encounter concerning the scuffle that happened after the game, the captain of the Atlas Lions, Romain Saiss said:
“We must not mix everything up and leave room for an outpouring of hatred on both sides.
“We are all proud to represent Africa. Proud to be African regardless of our origins. Let's not divide ourselves over stupid things, it's still football.”
Anyway, Morocco face Zambia on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in their final group clash of the 2023 AFCON, while DR Congo trade tackles with Tanzania.
Walid Regragui's side are one of the favorites to win the crown and they have performed above average thus far.
DR Congo are also aiming to achieve stellar heights at the tournament, but they will have to show guts in their coming group game and earn qualification to the knockout stage.
Morocco sit at the summit of Group F, with 4 points from 2 matches and they need at least a draw in their final group game to confirm their passage to the round of 16.
DR Congo sit 2nd on the log with 2 points from 2 matches, level on points with Zambia, who sit 3rd and they will need a win in their final group game to book their place in the second round.
The clash boiled over in the culminating stage with players and coaching staff of both nations going at each other in what has now been tagged an "AFCON fight".
Morocco drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their second group affair, with Achraf Hakimi taking the Atlas Lions ahead in the 6th minute.
Fourteen minutes before the culmination of the clash, Silas Mvumpa brought the Leopards back into the game in a remarkable fashion.
Anyway, the encounter which looked appealing to the fans and neutrals turned into an unfortunate fight following the full-time whistle.
The AFCON fight reportedly occurred after Morocco boss Walid Regragui approached the captain of DR Congo Chancel Mbemba, who had initially received a yellow card for arguing with the referee.
It appeared Regragui said certain things that Mbemba wasn't in agreement with and he made signs for the video referee to intervene.
Subsequently, players of both teams rushed in and were pushing and shoving each other, with match officials finding it difficult to manage the situation.
The incident didn't end on the pitch as the fight was also witnessed when the players got into and around the stadium tunnel.
Al Hilal and Moroccan goalie Yassine Bounou were seen holding back his teammate who wanted to have a go at a player from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, Bounou's attempt to hold back his teammate was fruitless and it is uncertain what ensued afterwards.
Unfortunately, following the intense clash, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba was racially abused by some individuals alleged to be Moroccan supporters.
It is expected that CAF’s Disciplinary Committee will weigh in on the AFCON fight soon, dishing out needed punishments to the appropriate parties.
Speaking after the encounter concerning the scuffle that happened after the game, the captain of the Atlas Lions, Romain Saiss said:
“We must not mix everything up and leave room for an outpouring of hatred on both sides.
“We are all proud to represent Africa. Proud to be African regardless of our origins. Let's not divide ourselves over stupid things, it's still football.”
Anyway, Morocco face Zambia on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in their final group clash of the 2023 AFCON, while DR Congo trade tackles with Tanzania.
Walid Regragui's side are one of the favorites to win the crown and they have performed above average thus far.
DR Congo are also aiming to achieve stellar heights at the tournament, but they will have to show guts in their coming group game and earn qualification to the knockout stage.
Morocco sit at the summit of Group F, with 4 points from 2 matches and they need at least a draw in their final group game to confirm their passage to the round of 16.
DR Congo sit 2nd on the log with 2 points from 2 matches, level on points with Zambia, who sit 3rd and they will need a win in their final group game to book their place in the second round.