CAF Opens Disciplinary Case Against Senegal After Chaotic AFCON Final in Rabat
CAF has launched disciplinary proceedings against AFCON champions Senegal following a dramatic walk-off protest during the final against Morocco, which delayed the match by 14 minutes.
‘Unacceptable’: CAF Moves to Discipline Senegal After Chaotic AFCON Final
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened disciplinary proceedings against newly crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal following the extraordinary scenes that marred Sunday’s final against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Although the Lions of Teranga went on to lift their second AFCON title in four years, their celebrations have been overshadowed by CAF’s firm response to what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” during the closing stages of the match.
In a statement released shortly after the final, CAF made clear that victory does not shield any team from accountability.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football 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,” the statement read.
“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to the competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the scenes, describing them as damaging to the image of African football.
VAR Decision Sparks 14-Minute Walk-Off
The flashpoint came deep into stoppage time with the score level at 0–0. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was advised by VAR to review a challenge by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area.
When Ndala pointed to the spot, tensions exploded. The decision came moments after a Senegal goal had been disallowed for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, which the Senegalese camp felt was harsh.
Head coach Pape Thiaw reacted furiously, gesturing for his players to leave the pitch. Most of the Senegal squad walked off, disappearing down the tunnel and leaving Moroccan players, officials, and millions of viewers in limbo.
The protest halted the final for nearly 14 minutes, pushing the match to the brink of abandonment. It took the intervention of senior figures—most notably Sadio Mané—to persuade the team to return and complete the game.
Mendy and Gueye Turn Chaos into Glory
When play finally resumed, Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty, carrying the weight of a nation’s hopes. After the long delay, he attempted a delicate Panenka-style chip down the middle—but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood firm and caught the effort with ease.
The miss drained the hosts and galvanised Senegal.
In extra time, Pape Gueye produced a stunning strike to secure a 1–0 victory and silence the Rabat crowd, completing one of the most dramatic finals in AFCON history.
It was a remarkable turnaround—from near-forfeit to continental champions in the space of half an hour.
After the match, coach Pape Thiaw struck a more contrite tone, apologising for his actions and admitting that emotions had overwhelmed him in the heat of the moment.
CAF’s investigation now hangs over Senegal’s triumph, as African football’s governing body seeks to send a clear message: even champions must respect the game.
