Morocco's Controversial AFCON Final and Political Maneuvers

The article by Owei Lakemfa critiques Morocco's conduct during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, particularly during the final match against Senegal on January 18. It details incidents of fan harassment and officiating controversies, including a disputed penalty awarded to Senegal in the 90th minute, which led to violent scenes and a delay in the match.

Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, had to order his players off the field due to the chaos. Following the match, Morocco's team, led by captain Achraf Hakimi, rejected the AFCON trophy, expressing discontent with the officiating and the outcome.

The article also touches on Morocco's political strategies regarding Western Sahara and its attempts to influence African nations to recognize its claims over the territory. The narrative underscores Morocco's historical tensions with the African Union and its efforts to gain legitimacy on the continent.