January 22 – World Cup semi-finalists Morocco will have to wait to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
A melee broke out between players and coaching staff at the end of the game after heavily-fancied Morocco took an early lead, only for the Congolese to miss a penalty before equalising on 76 minutes.
The melee occurred when Morocco coach Walid Regragui approached Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, who had already received a yellow card for arguing with the referee. Mbemba clearly disagreed with something Regragui said as players from both teams clashed.
After the game, Mbemba was subjected to a torrent of racist abuse on social media. His Instagram account was targeted by many users who replied to his posts with monkey or gorilla emojis, or wrote racist comments.
Morocco, chasing just a second AFCON title and a first since 1976, still know they will top the group by beating 2012 champions Zambia next.
In the same group 10-man Zambia snatched a late 1-1 draw with Tanzania dashing their hopes of a first Africa Cup of Nations win after 44 years.
Elsewhere South Africa veteran Themba Zwane scored twice as they comfortably overcame neighbours Namibia 4-0 to boost their chances of progressing.
South Africa, whose victory margin was the biggest of the tournament so far, moved in behind leaders Mali while group favourites Tunisia must win their next game to stand any chance of staying in the competition.
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