AFCON carnage as huge 30-man brawl on the pitch continues down the tunnel
Shocking scenes unfolded on the ultimate whistle of Morocco’s 1-1 Africa Cup of Nations draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Achraf Hakimi’s elegant sixth minute volley was cancelled out by super-sub Silas Katompa Mvumpa firing in from a low cross within the 76th. But the outcome was overshadowed by a melee which broke out at full-time.
Tempers abruptly flared on the pitch between gamers and workers from each side. And the brawl continued close to the altering rooms as gamers rushed into the tunnel to become involved within the confrontation.
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Congo captain Chancel Mbemba had already obtained a yellow card for arguing with the referee. The centre-back was then approached by Morocco supervisor Walid Regragui, who appeared to berate Mbemba about one thing.
Mbemba was left livid with Regragui’s feedback as he yelled and pointed aggressively in his route. Players from each side rushed in, with some making an attempt to diffuse the state of affairs whereas others started pushing and shoving.
(Image: AFP by way of Getty Images)
(Image: beIN SPORTS /X)
And the wild scenes escalated additional, with footage on social media exhibiting Mbemba being escorted into the tunnel, earlier than being chased by an offended Youssef En-Nesyri. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was seen pulling on En-Nesyri’s vest in an effort to forestall the striker from going after Mbemba.
Both safety and the officers struggled to regulate the chaos as the remainder of the 2 sides’ gamers additionally ran down the tunnel. It was reported after that the Confederation of African Football had opened a direct investigation into the ugly show of violence.
Speaking after the sport as soon as tensions had cooled, Morocco boss Regragui commented: “I have nothing to say about that. I have a lot of respect for Mbemba. Maybe it was the adrenaline that made him respond like that. There’s no problem. I regret it because we did not give a good image, neither to us nor to the DRC”
Morocco missed the prospect to safe a spot within the knockout stage with a recreation to spare, with the draw taking them as much as 4 factors. But DR Congo will likely be ruing Cedric Bakambu’s missed penalty late within the first half, having dominated the second however solely including a single level to their tally (two factors).
