Morocco's coach receives a two-game ban at the Cup of Nations.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui was banned for four matches, two of which were suspended, just hours before his team's final group match at the Africa Cup of Nations, Confederation of African Football officials announced.

Regragui, who led his country to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, had an on-field altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba at the conclusion of their Group F match in San Pedro on Sunday.

The incident resulted in scuffles between opposing players and staff on the field, as well as alleged fighting in the stadium tunnel, but not in public view.

Morocco announced that they were appealing the decision, which came ahead of Morocco's match against Zambia in San Pedro on Wednesday.

CAF did not specify what Regragui was charged with. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, only the post-match incidents were being investigated.

Regragui went to shake Mbemba's hand at the end of the game, but he held it as he tried to remonstrate with the defender, who repeatedly tried to pull away before breaking free.

That sparked general mayhem at the end of a 1-1 draw.

"He insulted me and my assistant on the sidelines before the end of the match," Regragui told reporters after Sunday's match.

“And in the end, despite that, I went to shake his hand but also to ask him: ‘Why are you talking to me like that?’ Then he looked away like he didn’t want to shake my hand. I held his hand, you can see that in the images, and he started screaming in every direction."

"He claimed I had called him an idiot but I never said that. He should be a little honest with himself.”

Mbemba responded: “I'm not perfect but when I'm on the field, I respect everyone, and respect is reciprocal.”

Morocco's football federation quickly denounced the decision and filed an appeal.

“Following the unfair decision taken by the Disciplinary Commission of the Confederation of African Football against the coach of the national team, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation decided to appeal this decision, which it considers to be wrong, especially since the facts have shown that Walid Regragui did not commit any behaviour contrary to sporting spirit,” it said.

Regragui's ban means he will miss the Group F game against Zambia as well as Morocco's last-16 match.

Rachid Ben Mahmoud, a former international, replaces Regragui on the sidelines.

SportsLigue