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AFCON Final Fallout: Bans, Big Fines and VAR Chaos After Senegal–Morocco Showdown
CAF has come down hard after a stormy Africa Cup of Nations final, handing out suspensions and hefty fines following scenes of chaos in Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in Rabat on January 18.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five CAF matches after being found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.” Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing toward his players during a heated VAR stoppage—an act widely interpreted as encouraging them to leave the pitch.
Several Senegal players briefly walked off before Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to return so the match could continue.
Two Senegal stars based in the English Premier League, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each hit with two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. The Senegal Football Federation was also slapped with a massive $615,000 fine for multiple disciplinary violations involving players, officials, and supporters.
Morocco were not spared. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000, including penalties for ball boys’ behaviour, players and staff invading the VAR area, and fans using lasers to distract Senegal players.
The flashpoint came late in regulation time when Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, sparking furious protests from Senegal.
The tension escalated in the stands as some supporters threw objects and briefly invaded the pitch before security restored order. After a long delay, Diaz missed the penalty, his weak effort saved by Edouard Mendy.
Extra time followed, and Pape Gueye sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title with the winning goal.
CAF confirmed all bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while the sanctioned players will sit out the first two matches.
Despite the controversy, the final will be remembered as one of AFCON’s most dramatic—and disciplinary-heavy—showdowns.
