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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, following a disciplinary review of the chaotic scenes that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.

Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to clinch their second continental title, but the historic triumph was overshadowed by Thiaw’s decision to order his players off the pitch in protest.

CAF said the coach’s action constituted a serious breach of conduct and threatened the integrity of the competition.

The controversy erupted deep into second-half stoppage time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty after a VAR review.

The decision came moments after a Senegalese goal had been disallowed, sparking fury on the Senegal bench.

In response, Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the pitch, triggering fears that the final could be abandoned or forfeited.

Play was halted for nearly 20 minutes as officials struggled to restore order.

It was Senegal captain, Sadio Mane, who eventually defused the crisis, persuading his teammates to leave the dressing room and return to the field so the match could continue.

Senegal went on to seal victory in extra time through a decisive strike by Pape Gueye, but CAF moved swiftly after the final whistle to sanction the technical crew.

In a statement, CAF’s disciplinary committee said protests and walk-offs, regardless of refereeing decisions, are unacceptable at any level of professional football.

“Such actions undermine the values of fair play and the integrity of CAF competitions,” the committee said.

Thiaw later admitted he acted out of anger, expressing regret and acknowledging that emotions got the better of him during the tense finale.

brain54:
What about the referees...

Including the Ghanian. So many allegations of unfair play around the morrocans yet non was even investigated.


This one coming so swift. Caf is unfair!

ogaemma:
The Nation's cup was fine, but the officiating was poor.
Is unfortunate that in 2026, AFCON could still have so many controversial officiating.
I don't blame FIFA for not using Africa referee in some high profile games.
CAF must working on match officiating.

cr7lomo:
Na today u start to de watch football...what Senegal did was totally unprofessional

If all teams start to react by a walk off pitch due to disputed decisions, then the game will be in trouble....

All teams have faced bad decisions against them or disputed decisions... what that coach did was very bad in football and that move ended up affecting the outcome of the game

spiSeyi:
CAF needs to sanction Morocco for encroachment with they did to Nwabali, Mendy and others. The next AFCON in Morocco should be boycotted by the major powerhouse in Africa football

helinues:
That was the right decision.

It was wrong for him to tell his players to boycott the game. It would have caused so many embarrassment to CAF and Africa in general.

ALLNIGERIANSMAD:
corruption dey always sweet you. Senegal Sha win the trophy, na the Koko be that

helinues:
That was the right decision.

It was wrong for him to tell his players to boycott the game. It would have caused so many embarrassment to CAF and Africa in general.

Princedapace:
Dont mind them. Many FIFA competitions have seen crazy officiating, even EPL. Many UEFA matches. These refs are humans and can make mistakes. Their calls wont suit everyone.

Delat521:
While two wrongs does not make a right, it was an apt decision call by Pape Thiaw to make the CAF known about injustice that has been meted to opponents of Moroccan in these AFCON, it was bitter but necessary.

Moroccan wouldn't have reach that stage if such protest had take place earlier.