Senegal Winger Calls AFCON ‘Corrupt’ After Lossing To Ivory Coast

Senegal winger Krepin Diatta accused AFCON organisers of corruption following his country’s round of 16 elimination to tournament hosts Ivory Coast on Monday evening, January 29.

The reigning champions took the lead against the surprise knockout-stage qualifiers as Habib Diallo scored in the fourth minute of halftime. However, Ivory Coast equalised just four minutes before the end of normal time, forcing penalties to settle the game.

Meanwhile, according to France 24, the 24-year-old Senegal player escalated his charges, targeting CAF staff in the mixed zone before exiting the stadium.

“You have killed us. You are corrupt,” Diatta said after the final whistle. “Keep your African Cup.”

Diatta is believed to have been enraged when a penalty call in the second half was denied.

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Referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho denied appeals for a review of Ismaila Sarr’s collision with Odilon Kossounou in the Ivory Coast box and chose not to use the pitch-side monitor to double-check his decision.

VAR was later used to give Ivory Coast’s penalty, which gave them an equaliser in the 86th minute.

“You got to the VAR to give them a penalty, while our guy (Sarr) picks up the ball 40 metres from goal, goes on a run into the box and you don’t want to go to VAR?’ Diatta accused gathered officials.

“I’m sorry, but that is going too far. I’m really sorry, but they have killed our competition.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli