CAF to sanction Senegal, coach Pape Thiaw over walkout drama in AFCON final against Morocco

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw finds himself facing scrutiny over his conduct as well as that of his team in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat on Sunday. Thiaw, after all, had furiously urged his players to walk off the field in protest after a penalty was awarded to the Atlas Lions in the final minute of stoppage time, shortly after Senegal had a last-gasp goal disallowed.

Also Read | AFCON final chaos: Walkout threat, Mane’s intervention, Panenka miss and Senegal’s extra-time glory

Sanity eventually prevailed in the pulsating final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with the irate Senegalese players eventually returning to the pitch after being persuaded to do so, mainly by legendary forward Sadio Mane. The Lions of Teranga would go on to beat the host nation by a solitary goal, thanks to Pape Gueye’s superb strike four minutes into extra time.

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CAF to take ‘appropriate action’ against Thiaw, Senegalese players

Their antics in the AFCON final following referee Jean-Jacques Gambo Ndala’s decision to award a penalty to Morocco, however, has left a bad taste in the mouth. And according to the latest reports coming in, the Confederation of African Football isn’t going to take Senegal’s behaviour – which resulted in play being held up for nearly 20 minutes – too lightly.

“Caf condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” read a statement from the African football confederation.

“Caf strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Caf is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” it added.

While CAF’s exact sanction for Senegal and their coach Thiaw is yet to be officially announced, journalist Romain Molina claims that CAF has suspended the 44-year-old for his action, though the duration of the suspension could not be ascertained.

Also Read | Mane explains not leaving pitch as Morocco’s Regragui blasts Thiaw after AFCON final chaos: 'Pape dishonoured Africa'

And it wasn’t just on the football pitch where Thiaw was involved in dramatic scenes – he had also walked out of the press conference after the final after being jeered by journalists.

Thiaw, however, has also since apologised for his actions in the final.