Fans on social media have slammed Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco for his actions ahead of the trophy presentation following Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Despite Morocco coming into what was a home AFCON as the highest-ranked team on the continent, it was Senegal who reigned supreme in Rabat on Sunday (January 18).
In what was a cagey affair for the most part, Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the 98th minute when El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Diaz in the penalty area.
This led to Senegal boss Pape Thiaw leading his players off the field and back to the dressing room, leaving the Moroccans on the pitch for a period of 17 minutes before the side, which featured Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye, eventually returned to the field.
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Real Madrid winger Diaz then had the chance to secure his nation’s first AFCON crown in 50 years, but rather bizarrely chose to chip the ball straight down the middle, where Edouard Mendy caught the tame effort, sending the game to extra time.
Then just four minutes into extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye smashed home a left-footed strike to leave the Moroccan fans gathered inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium stunned.
Gueye’s strike was the only goal of the game and secured Senegal a second AFCON crown in the last three tournaments.
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Diaz was in tears after the match while the Senegalese players celebrated together on the pitch.
The trophy presentation followed, and some fans suggested that Prince Moulay Rachid seemingly refused to hand the trophy to the winners.
A video emerged on social media which appeared to show CAF president Patrice Motsepe trying to hand the trophy to the prince while he was standing alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Instead of grasping the trophy, the Moroccan prince smiled before the trio walked away, with Motsepe eventually handing the trophy to the Senegalese players who were waiting on the podium.
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Although Moulay Rachid did momentarily touch it as it was passed over, it’s fair to say he didn’t appear pleased to be there.
Fans were quick to offer their thoughts on social media.
One said: “Embarrassing behaviour all tournament, so they had to finish it up with style.”
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Another added: “All because the star player tried a ridiculous penalty in the last minute.”
A third claimed: “Brahim Diaz did the world a favour.”
Morocco will get another chance to win their second AFCON in 18 months' time when the tournament takes place across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Topics: Africa Cup Of Nations, Morocco, Senegal, Brahim Diaz, Football
Luke Davies