Morocco Sees AFCON Case as Closed Amid Senegal's Appeals

AI Summary

Morocco's football team considers the AFCON case closed despite Senegal's appeals to CAF and CAS. Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory over Senegal due to Senegalese players leaving the pitch in protest. Morocco's coach and players are focused on upcoming matches, including the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco's national football team has moved on from the controversy surrounding their award of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, despite Senegal's ongoing appeals to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Atlas Lions lost 1-0 to Senegal in the January final but were awarded a 3-0 victory last week due to several Senegalese players leaving the pitch in protest at a penalty.

In their first match since the final and the controversial decision, Morocco drew 1-1 against Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid, under the guidance of new coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emphasized the team's focus on future matches, stating, 'We're focused on what's to come and not getting into that [topic].' The team's supporters also expressed their satisfaction with the decision, with one fan saying, 'If someone says there are regulations, you have to follow them.'

With 25 matches unbeaten, Morocco is looking forward to the 2026 World Cup, where they will face record five-time World Cup winners Brazil in their first game. The team's coach, Ouahbi, highlighted the strength of his team, saying, 'I don't talk in terms of weaknesses. We're a top-level team – the Ecuadorian coach reminded us of that.'