The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw following a disciplinary review of the dramatic scenes that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
Senegal edged host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to lift their second continental title, but the historic victory was marred by controversy after Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest during the closing stages of normal time.
CAF said Thiaw’s decision constituted a serious breach of conduct and posed a threat to the integrity of the competition.
The incident unfolded deep into second-half stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty following a VAR review. The decision came moments after a Senegal goal was disallowed, sparking outrage among Senegal’s players and technical crew.
In response, Thiaw instructed his team to walk off the pitch, halting play for nearly 20 minutes and raising fears that the final could be abandoned or forfeited. Match officials and CAF representatives intervened as tensions escalated inside the stadium.
Senegal captain Sadio Mané eventually calmed the situation, persuading his teammates to return to the field and allow the match to continue.
Morocco failed to capitalize on the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure the title in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. Despite the on-field success, CAF moved swiftly after the final whistle to sanction the Senegal coach.
In a statement, CAF’s disciplinary committee said walk-offs and protests, regardless of refereeing decisions, are unacceptable in professional football.
“Such actions undermine the values of fair play and the integrity of CAF competitions,” the committee said.
Thiaw later acknowledged that he acted in anger, expressing regret over his conduct and admitting that emotions ran high during the tense finale.
While Senegal’s triumph will be remembered for its drama and resilience, CAF’s ruling ensures that the fallout from the chaotic final continues to ripple beyond the trophy celebrations.
Culled from: Sahara Reporters