‘You’re corrupt, Keep your African Cup’ — Senegal star slams CAF officials after AFCON 2023 elimination

Senegalese stars line up ahead of an international match | Imago

‘You’re corrupt, Keep your African Cup’ — Senegal star slams CAF officials after AFCON 2023 elimination

Ayoola Kelechi 17:22 - 30.01.2024

Senegal's exit from the 2023 AFCON has not gone down well with a member of the Teranga Lions squad who alleged corruption on the path of CAF

Senegal’s exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has generated discontent among members of the Teranga Lions’ squad, with AS Monaco's Krepin Diatta alleging that the crucial Round of 16 match was rigged in favour of the hosts. 

The Senegalese team faced the host nation, Ivory Coast, however, what was expected to be an intense and competitive clash turned into a source of controversy and deep frustration for Diatta and the Senegalese squad. 

Senegal's AFCON Title Defence Ends in Disappointment

In the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Senegal's hopes of defending their championship title were dashed by the host nation, Ivory Coast. 

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Despite initially taking the lead with a goal scored by Habib Diallo, Senegal could not secure their advancement as they conceded a late equalizing penalty, expertly converted by Ivory Coast's Franck Kessie. Ultimately, Ivory Coast triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 5-4.

Diatta's Outburst at the Refereeing Decisions

Following this disheartening defeat, AS Monaco's Krépin Diatta expressed his deep frustration and disappointment with the officials representing the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

Action between Ivory Coast and Senegal at the AFCON 2023 | Imago
Action between Ivory Coast and Senegal at the AFCON 2023 | Imago

His disappointment stemmed from the refereeing decisions made during the crucial match. One of the key points of contention was the referee's decision not to award a penalty when Diatta believed that Odilon Kossounou had committed a foul on Ismaïla Sarr. To his dismay, the referee's initial judgment was not overturned after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, as per Get Football News France

Frustration with VAR Inconsistencies

Diatta's frustration was further fueled by what he perceived as inconsistencies in the use of VAR during the match. He criticized the fact that VAR was consulted to award Ivory Coast a penalty, but a similar situation involving Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr breaking into the box after a 40-meter run did not receive the same scrutiny from VAR. Diatta found this discrepancy both perplexing and unacceptable. 

Senegal's Krepin Diatta | Imago
Senegal's Krepin Diatta | Imago

He vocalized his dissatisfaction, stating, "You consult VAR to award them a penalty, but when a player like Sarr runs 40 meters, enters the box, and there's a potential foul, you can't review it with VAR. I'm sorry, but it's absurd. I apologize, but this has severely impacted our competition."

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Following the win over Senegal, hosts Ivory Coast will now face a much more favourable game against Mali or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals as they look to erase their poor group stage performance with a deep knockout run.

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