Senegal legend defends Morocco

Slowly (but surely) the hype around AFCON final is slowing down. Almost a week after one of the most exiciting finals ever in this competition, there are still some comments, opinions and thoughts about the participants and their actions in that game, as well as before and after the final. Morocco, as the host and Africa‘s best team (at least before the duel with Senegal) was a big favorite and the pressure was enormous. Many teams suggested that Atlas Lions had ‘help‘ from the referees, especially in the final against Senegal. After all, that‘s one of the reasons why coach Pepe Thiaw took his team away before the Brahim Diaz‘s penalty.

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And while there were some (like Samuel Eto‘o) who could understand Thiaw‘s reaction, one familiar face, and Senegal legend, called for calmness and disagreed with accusations about Morocco and the referees. El-Hadji Diouf, you used to play for the Lions of Teranga and won the African footballer of the year award twice wrote a column in Le Monde and called, among other things, for "solidarity among African people".

"I say this with gravity and a sense of responsibility: accusing Morocco of bribing referees is a dangerous and profoundly unjust trend. These insinuations, without proof, damage the honor of a country that has demonstrated its seriousness and professionalism, and above all, they undermine the integrity of African football. Frustration is part of the game, but constant suspicion cannot be the norm. Football is won and lost on the pitch, not through rumors" said former Liverpool player.

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Not only that, the Senegal legend also praised Morocco as AFCON hosts.

"The infrastructure, the hospitality, the security, the logistics: everything was done with seriousness, professionalism, and respect for the teams," the former player emphasized. The kingdom has shown that Africa is capable of organizing top-level events, meeting international standards. This deserves unequivocal praise" wrote El-Hadji Diouf.