Senegal’s untimely departure from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) at the hands of Ivory Coast, former Senegalese football luminary El Hadji Diouf voiced his dismay, citing concerns over perceived non-sporting elements accompanying the tournament.
Senegal, the reigning champions, fell short in their quest to retain the title, succumbing to Ivory Coast, the host nation, in a match that stirred controversy and disappointment.
Expressing his disappointment, the former Liverpool player lamented the outcome and alluded to what he termed as “extra-sporting actions” linked to the high-profile fixture.
“We have to keep our heads held high. I don’t want to talk about extra sports. Everyone saw what happened in the match.
I’ll let everyone do their own analysis, but I would say that the Senegal team did not deserve anything,” remarked Diouf, the former captain of the “Lions.”
His remarks drew criticism from the Ivorian camp, who firmly assert that their national team rightfully earned qualification for the quarter-finals of the AFCON.
In a turn of events, a Senegalese team member, positioned as the right side of the “Lions,” launched a verbal assault on the African Football Confederation (CAF), attributing blame for the team’s elimination.
“You killed us, you are corrupt. Keep your African Cup,” he vehemently declared after the match.
The unsportsmanlike behavior exhibited in these comments raises the specter of potential sanctions from CAF, mirroring penalties previously imposed on figures such as Algerian Adel Amrouche, the former coach of Tanzania.
The controversy surrounding Senegal’s exit continues to reverberate, casting a shadow over the AFCON tournament and prompting calls for fair play and sportsmanship in African football.
CAN 2023 / El Hadji Diouf sort du silence après la défaite du Sénégal : “Je laisse…” https://t.co/XnaUfs68ls
— L-frii (@LfriiMedia) January 30, 2024
