Senegal thrown out of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

Senegalese football_fans_light_fires_at_the_Leopold_Sedar_Senghor_stadium_in_Dakar

By Andrew Warshaw

October 18 – Senegal have been disqualified from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations following the riot that forced last weekend’s home qualifier against Ivory Coast to be abandoned.

The match in Dakar was called off after 74 minutes, with Ivory Coast 2-0 up on the night and 6-2 ahead on aggregate.

That score line would in any case have eliminated Senegal but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has now officially confirmed the result as a 2-0 win for Ivory Coast, sending them through to next year’s tournament.

Trouble flared after striker Didier Drogba scored Ivory Coast’s second goal from the penalty spot.

Visiting supporters were forced to leap down on to the pitch to escape as violence erupted, with home fans throwing missiles, stones, bottles and firecrackers.

Ivorian players took refuge in the centre circle while the security forces used tear gas to disperse the rioting fans.

The match was suspended for 40 minutes as police tried to restore order but the referee was forced to call off the final-round qualifier.

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