Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Handed Five-Match CAF Ban Following AFCON Final Chaos

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended for five Confederation of African Football matches and fined $100,000 following tumultuous scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco on January 18.

The disciplinary action stems from Thiaw’s conduct during the championship match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Senegal secured a 1–0 victory in extra time to claim their second AFCON title.
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According to CAF’s disciplinary committee, the Senegalese tactician walked off the pitch in protest during the closing moments of regulation time after referee decisions sparked intense controversy.

The final descended into chaos when Senegal players briefly abandoned the field following a late penalty award against them in the 89th minute—a decision that was subsequently overturned after video review.

Thiaw’s protest, captured on global broadcasts, drew immediate scrutiny from football authorities already monitoring escalating tensions between players, officials, and Moroccan supporters throughout the match.
CAF’s sanctions apply exclusively to continental competitions and will not affect Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The ban means Thiaw will miss Senegal’s upcoming CAF qualifiers and potentially the 2027 AFCON preliminary matches unless appeals succeed.

Thiaw, appointed Senegal coach in December 2024 following Aliou Cissé’s departure, had enjoyed a remarkable start to his tenure, recording 17 wins in 21 matches before the final.
His suspension represents a significant setback for a coach who guided the Teranga Lions to continental glory in his first major tournament.
Morocco’s football federation also faced consequences, receiving a $200,000 fine for crowd disturbances, while four players from both nations received individual match bans for misconduct during the volatile encounter.
As Senegal celebrates its championship, the disciplinary fallout underscores football’s delicate balance between competitive passion and professional conduct, especially when national pride, hostile crowds, and high-stakes decisions collide on Africa’s biggest stage.