Despite Senegal retaining the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy and initiating legal proceedings in response to its recent revocation, Morocco, the newly declared champions, views the matter as settled.
The Atlas Lions, who were defeated 1-0 in the January final, were awarded a 3-0 victory last week by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to protests by several Senegal players who left the pitch following a controversial penalty decision.
In their first match since the final and the disputed ruling, Morocco played to a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly held in Madrid. This game marked the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, timed just three months ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Having made history as the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Morocco approaches the future with optimism, regardless of Senegal’s protests.
“We’re focused on what’s to come and not getting into that topic,” stated Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in comments to the media.
The atmosphere among Moroccan supporters was exuberant, with thousands celebrating and many adorned in national colors, proudly expressing their belief that justice has been served.
“If someone says there are regulations, you have to follow them,” remarked Yassine el-Aouak, a 35-year-old Moroccan fan who traveled from Italy to attend the match.
“I believe we will bring the trophy home eventually – we know that we deserve it.”
Prior to this decision, Morocco had only secured the AFCON title once, back in 1976.
“The rules are the rules … they are so clear, you go outside the pitch without any reason, you lose 3-0,” added Taha El Hadiguy, a 22-year-old supporter.
Similar to the players, the Moroccan media is concentrating more on the upcoming World Cup and on Ouahbi’s strategies, rather than the legitimacy of Senegal's grievances.
Ecuador’s coach, Sebastian Beccacece, expressed satisfaction with the draw against the newly crowned “African champions.”
Morocco’s record now stands at an impressive 25 matches without a defeat, notwithstanding the loss to Senegal during the dramatic final.
The Moroccan team will face Brazil, the history-making five-time World Cup champions, in their opening match of the tournament set for June 13, a notably compelling encounter among the group stage fixtures. Prior to this, the Moroccan Federation’s legal representatives may need to address Senegal's claims; however, Ouahbi and his squad are primarily focused on the upcoming summer, where they aim to secure another title, this time through on-field performance.
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