A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations coach has now explained his team's fiery bust-up with Morocco.
An early goal by Achraf Hakimi was cancelled out in the 76th minute by DR Congo forward Silas, resulting in both teams walking away from their Group F encounter with a point.
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When the final whistle blew, a heated altercation between the Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba and Morocco head coach Walid Regragui ensued.
What initially seemed to be a sportsman-like handshake quickly escalated to an argument which led to players from both teams getting involved in some pushing and shoving.
According to Foot Mercato via Le Site Info, the confrontation started after the Atlas Lions coach criticised Mbemba for not making eye contact when the pair shook hands.
Scuffles broke out after full time in the Morocco vs DR Congo game after Walid Regragui coach of Morocco went to confront Mbemba in relation to the DR Congo penalty during the game which was later lost by DRC#AFCON2023 #MARRDC pic.twitter.com/MTzcqwHhAn
— Rizzy ?OVERWORLD ??$XC (@rizzy_guy) January 21, 2024
Speaking after the game, DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre attributed the incident to the "heat".
"It's the heat. It's a big match between two big nations," he said per The West Australian.
"It's very hot. Very, very, very hot."
Regragui, meanwhile, declared his respect for the Leopards captain and stated that there was no problem.
"I have nothing to say about what happened. I have great respect for Mbemba. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that made him react in this way," he said in the post match press conference per Le Site Info.
"There is no problem. I truly regret that we did not give a good image. Not to us, nor for the Democratic Republic of the Congo."
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