WATCH: Tensions flare in AFCON as Morocco and DR Congo players engage in ‘physical’ BRAWL after draw

The brawl began after Chancel Mbemba had celebrated in front of the Moroccan staff.

WATCH: Tensions flare in AFCON as Morocco and DR Congo players engage in ‘physical’ BRAWL after draw

The players from Morocco and Congo have a huge brawl. (Screengrab via video from X)

On 21st January, Morocco faced DR Congo in their Group F fixture of the African Cup of Nations. The game was closely contested as both teams left the match with a point each and ended with both teams leaving with a point each. 

This AFCON clash heated as Morocco opened the scoring as Achraf Hakimi scored off a corner by Hakim Ziyech in the 6th minute, and kept the lead for 70 minutes. Congo were close to equalizing in the 38th minute after winning a penalty. A Congolese player was elbowed in the head, which caused him to bleed profusely. 

YouTube video

After VAR awarded the penalty, Cedric Bakambu stepped up to take the penalty but missed. He hit to the right Yassine Bounou, who couldn’t stop the ball, but unfortunately, he hit the post. Congo did manage to equalize as Silas scored in the 76th minute. The game ended as a 1-1 but the intensity on the pitch continued as the two sides started a huge brawl. 

FS Video

Chancel Mbemba started a fight with the Morocco manager, which then escalated between the players. All players got involved as the fight shifted on the pitch, with the match officials trying their best to divide the two angry teams. Finally, the players dispersed, but the heat went on to match the tunnel. 

As the players walked back to their dressing room, many players were still arguing with each other. Youssef En-Nesyri ran into the tunnel, wanting to fight Chancel Mbemba but Yassine Bounou pulled his shirt back, attempting to stop his teammate from making matters worse. Mbemba had accused Walid Regragui, the Moroccon manager, of racially abusing him after he celebrated in front of him.

What are Morocco’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations 

Morocco were the 2022 World Cup dark horse, finishing fourth and being the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Going into the AFCON, many were excited as it looked to be one of the most competitive ones in the past few years. 

Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi scored Morocco’s only goal. (Image via X)

Morocco are favorites to win, thanks to their star-studded team which includes Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Yassine Bounou. Despite having challenges from Sadio Mane’s Senegal, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, and Victor Osimhein’s Nigeria, BET365 has Morocco as favorites.

Popular betting website, BET365, has given Morocco odds of 5/1 for winning, while Senegal are 2nd favorites with 6/1. Morocco currently top their group with 4 points and will face Zambia for their final AFCON group match. 

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