Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has defended Senegal following the widespread criticism over their walk-off in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat.

Morocco lost 1-0 after extra time on 18 January in a match overshadowed by chaos, including a pitch invasion, clashes involving players and officials, and a stoppage of over 15 minutes.

The CAF 2nd Vice President told GTV Sports Plus that the criticism directed at the Senegalese team has been excessive.

"People have read a lot of negativity into the behaviour of Senegal," he said.

"I tend to see it the other way. Yes, they went a bit overboard, but they showed that they had the desire, they showed that they wanted victory at all costs, and they showed that they wanted to compete, regardless of the odds they may have thought confronted them. And for me, that is football."

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) responded to the incidents with heavy sanctions.

Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw received a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine for ordering the walk-off after a VAR decision.

The team collectively was fined $615,000, while players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match suspensions.

Morocco were fined $315,000, and their appeal to overturn the final result was rejected.

Morocco on Tuesday announced it will appeal the sanctions, describing the penalties as disproportionate to the incidents.