Morocco has said it will file a legal complaint after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match against Senegal ended in controversy and confusion. The final took place in Rabat, Morocco, but the way the game ended has shocked everyone.
The match was close and tense. It was 0–0 at the end of regular time, and near the very end, Morocco was given a penalty kick after a video review showed a foul. The referee’s decision was backed by many experts as correct. However, Senegal’s players walked off the field in protest after the penalty was awarded. They later returned and the penalty was taken, but Morocco missed it. In extra time, Senegal scored a goal and won the match 1–0.
Morocco’s football officials are unhappy that Senegal’s actions affected the flow of the game and the players’ performance. They say the temporary walk‑off and long delay before the penalty was taken made the match unfair. For this reason, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation says it will take the issue to both CAF (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA (the world football governing body) and ask for a detailed review or fair dicision on what happened.
Officials also thanked the Moroccan fans who supported the team strongly throughout the tournament. Lot of fans filled the stadium the stadium to cheer for their country and remained supportive after the disappointing result.
After the game, different football officials, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF leaders, criticized the behavior seen during and after the match. They said the walk‑off by the players and other poor behavior from some people were wrong. It should not happen in a major final match. CAF also said that it is reviewing video footage of the final and plans to take disciplinary action against anyone whose behavior violated the rules.
The walking off in protest happened after a long break in play, which lasted about 14 minutes before the penalty. Moments like this are rare in top football matches, and the situation got attention from fans and officials around the world.
Many people in Morocco and around Africa feel upset with how the game ended. They say that the protests and the long delay have changed players’ focus and the flow of the match. The complaint that Morocco plans to file aims to make sure these events are looked at closely by the football authorities.
Others have noted that the controversy at the final could lead to disciplinary actions for those who are involved. CAF said that it will take action against them whose behavior broke the rules, and this could include fines or other penalties.
Senegal’s win gave the team the AFCON title, but the match will be remembered more for the unusual scenes and protests and the result also. The goal that won the match came in extra time after the penalty was missed, and it gave Senegal their victory.
As the legal procedures move forward with CAF and FIFA, many football fans and officials will watch closely to see what decisions are made about the match. The complaint from Morocco highlights how important fairness and correct procedures are to teams, officials, and supporters in the sport.