The recent clash between DR Congo and Morocco during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Chancel Mbemba, the Olympique de Marseille defender, has chosen to maintain a dignified silence despite the controversies that unfolded on and off the pitch.
Last week’s encounter witnessed heated moments between Mbemba and Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, leading to on-field scuffles between the two teams. Following the match, Mbemba, in the mixed zone, expressed his sentiments, stating, “I respect the coach who is a great man.
The television cut the videos, but I have them. I don’t need to throw them around. I keep my silence, it’s better, that’s how I am.”
The defender emphasized his commitment to fair play and hinted at the potential revelation of undisclosed incidents, adding, “Everyone knows me, I respect everyone, I don’t need to shoot anyone, but God’s justice is there.
When I play football, I play normally, I’m not a great player. This word that he said, it is the coach himself who will say it. He himself will speak.”
In response to the incident, CAF (Confederation of African Football) suspended Coach Walid Regragui, further escalating the tensions surrounding the match.
However, Regragui denied the allegations leveled against him.
Since the controversy unfolded, Mbemba had maintained a stoic silence, avoiding comments on the Moroccan coach.
In a recent interaction with the press after the match against Egypt, he skillfully sidestepped questions related to Regragui, putting a finger to his mouth to signify that he would not address the matter.
Amidst the silence on the specific incident, Mbemba did open up about his personal ties to Morocco, noting, “I spend my summers in Marrakech with my wife and my children (…) Everyone (he loves all Moroccans, editor’s note). If I go on vacation to Morocco with my children…”
As the controversy lingers, Mbemba’s measured responses leave room for speculation, creating an air of anticipation around future developments in this unfolding narrative.
