Walid Regragui suspension mars Morocco's win over Zambia in Afcon 2023

Morocco eased past Zambia 1-0 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday to finish top in Group F but the result was overshadowed by the suspension of their manager Walid Regragui.

Hakim Ziyech left the pitch with an ankle injury at half time but not before a smart close-range finish in the 38th minute that secured victory for Morocco and also kept hosts Ivory Coast in the tournament.

However, Morocco's win was marred by a four-game ban – with two suspended – that was handed out on Wednesday over heated scenes at the match against Congo on Sunday.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also imposed fines of $20,000 each on the federations of Morocco and Congo, plus $5,000 on Regragui.

Regragui, who led his country to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, was involved in an on-field spat with Congo captain Chancel Mbemba at the end of their match in San Pedro.

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

CAF's statement also said it fined the Moroccan federation an additional $10,000 “for the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the match,” with half the amount suspended.

The Moroccan federation said it will appeal CAF’s “unjust decision” to ban Regragui because the coach "did not commit any behavior that violates the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Regragui had gone to shake Mbemba’s hand at the end of the match but held onto it as he tried to remonstrate with the defender, who repeatedly tried to pull away before breaking loose.

That set off 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 claimed when talking to reporters