Following the 1-1 draw between Morocco and Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, a chaotic scene unfolded after the game.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui approached Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, who had already received a yellow card during the match for disputing with the referee. Mbemba expressed disagreement with Regragui, signaling the video referee, leading to a heated exchange. The situation escalated as players from both teams quickly intervened, causing a tumultuous scene. Officials struggled to contain the ensuing pushing and shoving, marking a dramatic conclusion to the match.
Congo coach Sébastien Desabre attributed the intensity of the match to the challenging weather conditions, stating, ‘It’s the heat. It’s a big match between two big nations. It’s very hot. Very, very, very hot.'”
The temperature in San Pedro reached 32 degrees Celsius (90°F) at the beginning of the game.
Despite an early goal from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, canceled by Congo forward Silas Katompa Mvumpa in the 76th minute, Morocco missed the opportunity to secure advancement to the knockout stage with a game in hand.
With four points from two games, Morocco currently leads Group F, having won their opening match against Tanzania 3-0. Zambia and Congo follow with two points each, while Tanzania holds one point.
The match witnessed the necessity of the first cooling break, briefly calming tempers amid a series of robust challenges. Additionally, another break was required for the treatment of Congo defender Henock Inonga Baka, who had to have his head bandaged to control heavy bleeding after an aerial duel during a set piece.
Upon his return, the referee, after consulting video replays to assess a potential handball by Selim Amallah, awarded Congo a penalty and issued a booking to the Moroccan defender.
However, Cédric Bakambu’s penalty attempt struck the post, exemplifying the “Leopards” struggle with accuracy in front of goal, despite a strong finish to the first half.
Inonga Baka of Congo was substituted for Dylan Batubinsika at halftime, with Batubinsika nearly making an immediate impact with a narrowly missed effort.
Persistently pushing forward, Congo capitalized on their efforts, with Meschack Elia delivering a decisive assist for Silas to net the equalizer.
Stuttgart forward expressed optimism, stating, “There was room at the end for us to secure all three points.”
