Senegal are poised to be sanctioned for walking off the field in protest at a penalty award in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The team were led off the field by their head coach, Pape Thiaw, when Morocco, the hosts, were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time after a video assistant referee review, shortly after Senegal had a goal ruled out.
Play resumed 16 minutes later when the players returned, with Brahim Díaz missing the penalty and Senegal going on to win in extra time thanks to a spectacular strike from Pape Gueye.
Senegal are expected to face disciplinary consequences for the walk-off, with the tournament organisers, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), taking a dim view of the incident.
“Caf 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 last night,” a statement from the confederation said. “Caf strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. Caf is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Sadio Mané seemed the most reluctant to join the protest and said his country would have been “crazy” not to finish the game. “It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen,” the former Liverpool forward told reporters about the possibility that the game might be abandoned. “Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there.
“I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that. African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world. So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what: the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game?”
Thiaw apologised after the game for taking his players off the field. “After reflecting on it, I made them come back – you can react in the heat of the moment,” he told beIN Sports. “We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, criticised Thiaw for leading Senegal’s walk-off, saying: “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful.”
Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play.”
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