A scuffle erupted between players and coaching staff as Morocco and Congo draw 1-1 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday. The incident unfolded post-match when Morocco coach Walid Regragui approached Congo captain Chancel Mbemba. The Captain had already received a yellow card for disputing with the referee. Disagreements arose, with Mbemba signaling for the video referee, leading to a chaotic scene. Players and officials from both teams intervened, struggling to restore order amid pushing and shoving. Morocco missed the opportunity to secure a knockout stage spot with a game to spare. Congo’s Silas Katompa Mvumpa nullified Achraf Hakimi’s early goal for the “Atlas Lions.”
Match Analysis as Morocco and Congo draw 1-1
Hakimi found the net from Ziyech’s corner in the sixth minute. But Silas leveled the score in the 76th minute, securing Congo’s second successive draw in the tournament.
Morocco leads Group F with four points from two games, following their opening 3-0 win over Tanzania, while Congo has two points. The other Group F match between Zambia and Tanzania took place later on Sunday.
The officials signalled for a first cooling break as the temperature in San Pedro reached 32 degrees Celsius (90 F) at kickoff. It helped provide a brief respite from the game’s physical intensity.
Another break occurred for the treatment of Congo defender Henock Inonga Baka. He needed head bandaging to stop heavy bleeding after a collision during a set piece.
After video replays, the referee awarded Congo a penalty for a possible handball by Selim Amallah, booking the Morocco defender. However, Cédric Bakambu hit the post with the penalty. Despite lacking accuracy in front of the goal, Congo finished the first half strongly.
At halftime, Inonga Baka was substituted for Dylan Batubinsika. He nearly scored immediately with an effort that narrowly missed the post.
Congo continued their push, and Silas found the equalizer when Meschack Elia cut the ball back for him. It led to Morocco and Congo drawing 1-1
Tanzania has a new coach after suspending Adel Amrouche. He received an eight-match ban for pre-tournament comments about Morocco’s alleged influence on the African Soccer Confederation (CAF).
Later on Sunday, South Africa played against neighboring Namibia in their quest for the first points in Group E.