Can CAF sanctions derail Senegal? Chaos overshadows the AFCON final
27 January 2026
Context and stakes
Ten days after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final, the Senegal national team appeared before CAF’s disciplinary committee on a Tuesday. The inquiry targeted the team and, in particular, coach Papi Thiow, following their walk-off from the pitch after a late penalty awarded to Morocco in a match that finished 1-0 for the Atlas Lions after extra time. The closing minutes were marked by clashes on the field and in the stands, with attempts to invade the pitch and property damage. The case is highly sensitive, with Abdullah Fall, the federation’s president, condemning what he called Morocco’s alleged influence over CAF.
According to L'Equipe, sanctions would primarily affect Thiow and several players, but are expected to be limited to the African context and should not threaten Senegal’s World Cup qualification. FIFA had already condemned Senegal’s conduct, stressing that penalties should stay within Africa, even as the global game remains open to broader implications. Senegal has since qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, placed in Group 9 alongside France, Norway, and a playoff winner yet to be determined.
What happened in the AFCON final?
Senegal captured the title for the second time by defeating Morocco on home soil 1-0 after extra time. In the final minutes, the referee ruled out a Senegalese goal for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, then, after a VAR review, awarded a Morocco penalty. The decision triggered protests from Senegal’s players and staff, and several fans briefly left the stands. The match paused as players were urged to return to the field by Sadio Mané.
The Moroccan attempt to convert the spot kick, taken by Díaz, was struck centrally and saved by Edouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper. The whistle sounded at the end of regulation, sending the game to extra time, where in the 94th minute Papy Gaye fired a powerful shot to give Senegal the lead and the title. Morocco has since asked for disciplinary action against Senegal for the walk-off and crowd trouble, while CAF continues its investigations. FIFA publicly criticized the behavior and reiterated that sanctions should remain within Africa, even if global implications could be considered in theory.
Senegal’s success sends them to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and they were drawn into Group 9 with France, Norway and another playoff qualifier.
Punchline 1: If penalties were a target, Senegal just rang the bullseye—one rocket of a shot and a referee’s decision that will be debated for ages. Punchline 2: In football as in comedy, timing is everything; this final had more twists than a season of a tense cliffhanger, and the VAR room probably needs a vacation after this one.
