Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-30 11:14:03
Senegal’s Krepin Diatta could potentially face repercussions after accusing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of corruption following the reigning champions’ elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. The Senegal team lost to hosts Ivory Coast on penalties, resulting in an outburst from Monaco winger Diatta, who was overheard by reporters criticizing CAF staff as “corrupt” and telling them to “keep your African Cup” as he left the stadium in the Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro.
The match saw Senegal leading 1-0 after an early goal from Habib Diallo, but they were denied what they believed should have been a penalty early in the second half when Ismaila Sarr went down in the Ivory Coast box. Despite the contentious incident, no penalty was awarded, and the referee did not review the footage using the pitchside monitor. Ivory Coast later equalized with a spot-kick of their own, following a VAR check, leaving Senegal frustrated and angry with the refereeing decisions.
Diatta expressed his frustration, stating, “You go to the VAR to give them a penalty, while our guy (Sarr) picks up the ball 40 meters from goal, goes on a run into the box and you don’t want to go to the VAR? I’m sorry but that is going too far. I am really sorry but they have killed our competition.”
Following the match, Diatta’s comments have sparked discussions about potential disciplinary actions against him. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast advanced to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Mali or Burkina Faso. The turmoil adds to the controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations, with fans and commentators expressing concerns about the officiating in the tournament.
