• FOOTBALL

• Sportsbeat Correspondent 2 months ago

Pape Thiaw banned as Senegal and Morocco punished for AFCON final chaos

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken strong disciplinary action against Senegal and Morocco following chaotic scenes in the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON final.

Football fans across Africa had been waiting anxiously to hear CAF’s decision after confusion and drama disrupted the final match between Senegal and host nation Morocco.

The trouble began in the closing minutes when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty and Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted angrily and ordered his players to walk off the pitch in protest.

 The match was stopped for about 17 minutes as players, officials and security tried to restore calm.

Senegal captain Sadio Mané later convinced his teammates to return to the field so the game could continue Morocco’s Brahim Díaz then missed the penalty and Senegal went on to win 1–0 to lift the AFCON trophy.

CAF and FIFA strongly condemned Senegal’s decision to leave the pitch and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was at the stadium, described the incident as unacceptable and called for firm punishment for everyone involved.

After weeks of investigation CAF’s disciplinary board announced its verdict of banning Thiaw for five matches for what CAF called unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute. Thiaw later apologised admitting his reaction was wrong and driven by anger.

CAF also fined the Senegal Football Federation a total of 615,000 dollars. Individual punishments were handed out as well Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two matches for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. The Senegal federation was fined for poor conduct by players, technical staff and supporters as well as for multiple yellow cards during the final.

CAF also rejected Morocco’s protest which claimed Senegal’s walkout affected their players’ focus and led to the missed penalty CAF confirmed that Senegal are the rightful AFCON champions.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was banned for two matches while midfielder Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a fine.

The Moroccan Football Federation was fined for the behaviour of ball boys, players, officials and fans including the use of laser lights during the match.

CAF rules state that any team that refuses to play or leaves the pitch without permission risks losing the match however CAF decided not to overturn the result of the final. Both Senegal and Morocco have the right to appeal against the sanctions.

The 2025 AFCON final will now be remembered not only for Senegal’s victory but also for the controversy and strong disciplinary actions that followed one of the most dramatic endings in tournament history.