Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, has successfully appealed the two-match suspension imposed during the Africa Cup of Nations, allowing him to return to the bench for the last-16 clash against South Africa.

Initially handed a four-match ban with two games suspended, Regragui faced consequences for an on-field altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo’s captain, Chancel Mbemba.

The incident led to scuffles between opposing players and staff on the pitch and alleged fighting in the tunnel at the stadium, but out of public view.

Regragui explained: “He insulted me and my assistant on the sidelines before the end of the 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.”

“He claimed I had called him an idiot but I never said that. He should be a little honest with himself,” Regragui added. The Moroccan football federation denounced the decision, and the successful appeal reinstates Regragui for the upcoming match against Bafana Bafana.