Mohammed VI believes that “once the passion has subsided” after Morocco-Senegal, “the inter-African fraternity will naturally take over”.
The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, said Thursday that he was confident that “the inter-African fraternity” would prevail after the “unfortunate incidents” which marred the CAN final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat. “Nothing can alter the proximity cultivated over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with the different countries of the continent”indicated the monarch in a press release from the royal cabinet relayed by the MAP agency.
Mohammed VI deplored the “unfortunate incidents and very deplorable actions (which) occurred” during the last minutes of this meeting. But “once the passion has subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally take over, because this Moroccan success is also an African success”he said. The January 18 meeting was won 1-0 after extra time by Senegal.
Skip the ad
SEE ALSO – «Oh it’s heavy»: Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr returns to Tottenham with his African champion medal
A penalty whistled in favor of the host country at the end of regulation time after consulting the video referee, just after a disallowed goal in Senegal, led to the departure of some of the Senegalese players from the field, eventually returning at the request of their star Sadio Mané. Many Senegalese supporters meanwhile tried to invade the pitch for nearly 15 minutes, before being controlled with difficulty by the police and stewards. Several of them also threw projectiles towards the lawn, including at least one chair.
“The Moroccan people know how to put things into perspective and will not allow themselves to be drawn into resentment and discord”assured the king. Nationals from sub-Saharan African countries represented 59.9% of all foreign migrants settled in Morocco in 2024, compared to only 26.8% in 2014. Senegal constitutes the first nationality represented among foreigners residing in the kingdom, with 18.4%, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
