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Senegal Player Accuses CAF of Being ‘Corrupt’ After AFCON Exit


Senegal's midfielder Krepin Diatta fights for the ball with Ivory Coast's forward Max-Alain Gradel during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match, at the Stade Charles Konan Bann, Jan. 29, 2024.
Senegal's midfielder Krepin Diatta fights for the ball with Ivory Coast's forward Max-Alain Gradel during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match, at the Stade Charles Konan Bann, Jan. 29, 2024.

YAMOUSSOUKRO, IVORY COAST — Senegalese winger Krepin Diatta may face disciplinary action after accusing the Confederation of African Football, CAF, of being "corrupt" after the reigning champions exited the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on penalties to hosts Ivory Coast on Monday.

Ivory Coast won the Round of 16 tie 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to the Senegalese.

Diatta expressed anger that Senegal was not awarded a penalty early in the second half after his teammate Ismaila Sarr was involved in a tangle of legs in the Ivory Coast box with defender Odilon Kossounou.

Ivory Coast's Odilon Kossounou challenges Senegal's Ismaila Sarr for the ball during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match held at Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, January 29, 2024.
Ivory Coast's Odilon Kossounou challenges Senegal's Ismaila Sarr for the ball during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match held at Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, January 29, 2024.

Senegal was leading 1-0 at the time after Habib Diallo's early goal, but Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho did not point to the spot.

Atcho also did not go on the pitch side monitor to review the footage.

Ivory Coast were also unhappy that Senegal’s star player Sadio Mane escaped with a yellow card for a dangerous early challenge on Ibrahim Sangare.

The Ivorians went on to equalize late in normal time with a spot-kick of their own which was given after a Virtual Assistant Referee, VAR check.

Ivory Coast's Franck Kessie celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against Senegal, at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, January 29, 2024.
Ivory Coast's Franck Kessie celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against Senegal, at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, January 29, 2024.

"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?” Diatta said.

"I'm sorry but that is going too far. I am really sorry but they have killed our competition," he added.

Speaking to CAF staff in an outburst overheard by reporters on leaving the stadium, the Senegal winger said "you have killed us. You are corrupt. Keep your African Cup."

Ivory Coast advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament. They are scheduled to play on Feb. 3, against the winner of the Round of 16 clash that is being played today between Burkina Faso and Mali.

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