Anticipation for 2023 AFCON Clash:
Morocco faces a significant setback ahead of their highly anticipated 2023 AFCON Last 16 clash against Bafana Bafana.
Scheduled for January 30th at Stade de San Pédro, both teams aim for a quarter-final spot in this pivotal encounter, with kickoff at 10 pm [SA time].
Historical Rivalry:
The two teams, having met twice in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, share a closely contested history.
Morocco won the first leg 2-1 in Rabat, but Bafana Bafana retaliated with a 2-1 victory in the second leg in Johannesburg.
CAF’s Verdict and Post-Match Incident:
A significant blow to Morocco’s campaign came after CAF’s verdict on January 24th, following an investigation into a post-match incident after Morocco’s group stage match against DR Congo on January 21st.
At fulltime, Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, was involved in a scuffle with Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, prompting interventions from both benches.
Coach Suspension:
The CAF disciplinary committee imposed a severe penalty on Regragui, suspending him for four matches.
Notably, two matches were suspended for a one-year period.
In addition to the suspension, the 48-year-old coach faced a fine of USD 5,000 [R94,350.50].
Regragui was absent from Morocco’s last group stage match against Zambia, and he will also miss the crucial clash against South Africa.
However, he remains eligible to return to the bench if Morocco advances to the quarter-finals.
Financial Ramifications:
The repercussions extended beyond the coach, with fines levied against the football federations of both Morocco and DR Congo.
Each association faced a USD 20,000 penalty [R377,249.00].
Morocco received an additional USD 10,000 charge [R188,743.00], specifically for the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the match.
However, half of this amount was suspended.
Coach’s Successful Stint:
Regragui, despite the suspension setback, has enjoyed a successful tenure with the national team.
Against all odds, he guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, showcasing his coaching prowess on the international stage.
Impact on Team Dynamics:
The absence of Coach Regragui adds an element of uncertainty to Morocco’s approach against Bafana Bafana.
The team will need to adapt to the coaching change and strive for cohesion in pursuit of advancing further in the tournament.
Conclusion:
Morocco’s setback, marked by the suspension of Coach Walid Regragui, injects a layer of complexity into their upcoming clash with Bafana Bafana.
The financial penalties and the absence of key personnel underscore the challenges faced by the team, requiring resilience and adaptability to navigate through the tournament’s crucial stages.
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