CAF opens probe after Senegal walkout mars AFCON final

CAF and FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “unacceptable” scenes at Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, launching a sanctions probe after Senegal players walked off the pitch for 17 minutes to protest a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco.espn
Senegal ultimately won 1-0 in extra time after Brahim Diaz‘s Panenka penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal; captain Sadio Mane convinced teammates to return to the field.abc
Coach Pape Thiaw apologized for leading the walkout, while Morocco’s Walid Regragui called the scenes “shameful” for African football, as CAF confirmed it is reviewing footage to determine disciplinary action.espn

CAF Opens Sanctions Probe After Chaotic AFCON Final

The Confederation of African Football launched an investigation Monday after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat descended into unprecedented scenes of protest, gamesmanship, and crowd disturbance that FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned as “unacceptable.”espn

Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time Sunday night to claim their second continental title, but the victory was overshadowed by a 17-minute delay in stoppage time when the Senegalese team walked off the pitch in protest of a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco.reuters

CAF and FIFA Respond

In a statement released Monday, CAF said it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” and confirmed it is “reviewing all footage” to refer the matter to disciplinary bodies for “appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”premiumtimesng

Infantino, who was present at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, issued his own rebuke via Instagram: “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.” He added that he expects CAF’s disciplinary authorities to “take appropriate actions.”channelstv

The chaos erupted in the 98th minute when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, judging that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz. The decision came moments after a Senegal goal had been disallowed, prompting coach Pape Thiaw to lead his players down the tunnel.espn

Mane’s Intervention

Captain Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and ultimately convinced his teammates to return. “I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football,” Mane said afterward.espn

When play resumed, Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty that was caught by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Pape Gueye then scored a powerful strike four minutes into extra time to seal Senegal’s triumph.abc

Both Nations Face Scrutiny

Morocco also faces scrutiny over an incident involving Mendy’s towel. Footage emerged showing Moroccan players, including captain Achraf Hakimi and winger Ismael Saibari, along with ball boys, attempting to snatch the goalkeeper’s towel during the match—a tactic reportedly used against Nigeria in the semifinal. Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was seen physically wrestling with ball boys to protect the towel.sportsmole

Thiaw apologized after the match for his role in the walkout. “After reflecting, I really did not like the fact that I told my players to leave the pitch. I apologise to football,” he told beIN Sports.sportsmole

Morocco coach Walid Regragui offered a harsher assessment: “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful. What Pape did does not honour Africa.”the-independent