Regis Le Bris on Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra after bizarre AFCON final ruling | OneFootball

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris says the African Cup of Nations final ruling has been a bit weird for Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra. According to Sunderland Echo, both players have been affected after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the match, with Morocco awarded a 3-0 win.

The pair were on opposite sides as the final descended into chaos. Deep into stoppage time, referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave Morocco a penalty following a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

The decision sparked fury, with Senegal boss Pape Thiaw leading his players off for around 17 minutes before they returned. Diaz’s kick was saved by Edouard Mendy, the referee then blew for full-time. Senegal later struck in extra time through Pape Gueye, which appeared to seal the trophy for Diarra and his team-mates.

Earlier this week the CAF appeals board ruled Senegal had breached tournament regulations, so the final is to be recorded as a forfeit and a 3-0 Morocco victory. Diarra has technically lost his title, with Senegalese authorities vowing to appeal.

Le Bris said his players had not overreacted and still felt the real outcome was decided on the pitch, not elsewhere. He called the saga strange for both.

Looking ahead, he said the international break, leaving Sunderland three weeks between Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United and their next Premier League fixture, the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, could help his side reset for the run-in.

Source: Sunderland Echo