The political feud between Morocco and Algeria grew deeper as Algeria saw a window of opportunity to deliver another jab at its western neighbor over the Western Sahara conflict. During the opening ceremony of the tournament, Algeria invited the grandson of Nelson Mandela (Zwelivelile Mandela) to deliver a political speech attacking Morocco.
South Africa established diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in September 15, 2004 and provides support for the Polisaro Front.
The Former Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) sharply rebuked Algeria in a tweet that drew a vigorous response.
توظيف حفل افتتاح بطولة كأس أفريقيا للمحليين،الذي يعقد في #قسطنطينة ب #الجزائر تحت إشراف الكونفدرالية الافريقية لكرة القدم، للتحريض على #المغرب، تصرّفٌ لا علاقة له بالرياضة وأخلاقياتها.#حفيد_مانديلا_العاقّ_لمانديلا
— عبدالعزيز التويجري A. Altwaijri (@AOAltwaijri) January 14, 2023