Morocco vs DRC, the encounter went into extra time. The second day of the 2023 AFCON witnessed an intense showdown between Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with tension escalating between the two teams and resulting in a altercation between Moroccan coach Walid Regragui and Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Chancel Mbemba displayed signs of a cramp in his right calf, prompting swift intervention from the medical staff and a stretcher. The referee instructed the player to leave the field, triggering Mbemba’s anger, leading him to confront the referee and receive a yellow card.
Morocco vs DRC, high tension at the end of the match
Footage captured by BeIn Sports revealed a heated confrontation between Walid Regragui and Chancel Mbemba. As Walid Regragui exited the field, he appeared to exchange words with Chancel Mbemba, provoking the anger of the Congolese captain. After the match, Walid Regragui approached Mbemba to shake hands, but the situation quickly escalated.
According to a journalist from Foot Mercato present at the stadium, a brawl broke out between the two teams, with players rushing towards the dressing rooms. In the post-match press conference, Walid Regragui expressed regret, stating, “I regret because we did not portray a good image, neither us nor the DRC.”
This altercation underscores the intense tensions that can arise in high-level competitions, highlighting the passion and pressure that accompany the pursuit of success in international sports. The further journey of Morocco in the AFCON and any potential sanctions related to this incident remain to be seen.
Morocco vs DRC, a balanced match
Morocco started strong in the clash of Group F, taking the lead in the 2nd minute with a header from En-Nesyri following a precise cross from Hakimi. The opening goal was confirmed after a four-minute interruption due to an issue with the referee’s earpiece, on a corner kick from Ziyech finished by Hakimi (1-0, 6th minute). Seeking to secure their lead, Morocco saw Ziyech’s attempt stopped by Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi (11th minute).
However, the Leopards responded with chances for Bongonda, whose shot was blocked, and Mbemba, who missed a close-range opportunity (12th, 13th minute). En-Nesyri also had the chance to double the lead, but his control was disrupted by Mbemba and Mpasi (31st minute). After an energetic start, Morocco conceded chances to the Congolese, including a dangerous deflection by Saïss from a corner (33rd minute) and a penalty missed by Bakambu, saved by Bounou (42nd minute).
In the second half, the Congolese coach made changes, replacing Baka with Batubinsika. The latter posed a threat on a corner, narrowly missing the post (48th minute). Despite the persistent Moroccan danger, with Hakimi delivering a cross to Boufal (52nd minute), Desabre’s changes paid off. Elia, launched by a through ball, equalized by passing to Mvumpa (1-1, 76th minute).
Exhausted Moroccans resisted Congolese pressure, repelling dangerous crosses and a shot from Mayele (77th, 90th minute). The match ended in a 1-1 draw, marked by a brief altercation between Moroccan coach Regragui and Congolese captain Mbemba. Morocco, provisional leader with 4 points (+3), will have to await the final match against Zambia to confirm their qualification. DRC, second before the match between Zambia and Tanzania, will need to win their last match to hope for a spot in the round of 16.
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