AFCON 2023: Krepin Diatta accuses CAF and Cote D’Ivoire of corruption

Krepin Diatta was livid after his team’s defeat on post match penalties (5-4) and went on to bash Cote D’Ivoire and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing them of corruption.

Last night, Ivory Coast created a surprise by eliminating the Senegalese title holder in the round of 16 of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).
But at the end of the match, Krépin Diatta got angry with the referee.

The defending champions were sent packing by the hosts at the Round of 16 stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, despite taking the lead through Habib Diallo. Franck Kessie scored the equaliser from the penalty spot, following a lengthy VAR check that saw former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy bring down Nicolas Pepe inside the box. The Elephants held their nerves in the shootout to win 5-4, with Kessie scoring the winning penalty.

While passing through the mixed zone, Diatta told reporters: “You’ve killed us, you’re corrupt! Keep your African Cup! You go and consult VAR to give them a penalty, but a Sarr runs 40 metres, overlaps, breaks into the box and you can’t go and look at the VAR. I’m sorry, but it’s ridiculous. I’m really sorry, but they’ve killed our competition there.” Krepin Diatta angrily stated.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to react to the accusations, but Diatta could be in serious trouble for his words if investigations follow.

The defeat meant it was the first time since 2019 that Senegal have been knocked out at this level of the competition.

For Cote D’Ivoire, they will advance to meet winners of the match between Mali and Burkina Faso in the AFCON quarter-finals on February 3 at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.