Senegal Boss and Hakimi Banned After AFCON Final Mayhem

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi have both received bans following the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, as disciplinary action sweeps across both champion Senegal and runners-up Morocco in the aftermath of chaotic scenes in Rabat.

Senegal Boss Pape Thiaw and Achraf Hakimi Disciplined

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw found himself at the heart of the drama during the AFCON final after his team’s dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco. Following a disallowed goal and a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest. The match was halted for over 15 minutes, creating an unprecedented pause in one of Africa’s biggest football showcases.

When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka-style penalty attempt easily saved, and the match went into extra time. It was there that Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, sealing the title for the Lions of Teranga in dramatic fashion.

AFCON Final Descends into Chaos

Senegal’s celebrations were quickly overshadowed by the violent scenes that followed both on and off the pitch. Fans clashed with security, and accusations of unsporting conduct flew between the teams. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) responded forcefully, issuing a wave of sanctions and fines to restore discipline and protect the tournament’s integrity.

Details of the CAF Disciplinary Sanctions

According to the disciplinary report, Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match suspension and fined £72,000 for instructing his players to leave the field. The Senegalese Football Federation was also penalized £445,000 due to the actions of their staff and supporters, particularly after altercations broke out in the stands.

On Morocco’s side, captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban (one suspended for a year) and was cited for trying to remove Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s towel — an act replicated by teammate Ismael Saibari, who received a three-match ban and a £72,000 fine. Morocco’s FA was also fined £228,000, with the penalty covering the behavior of Moroccan ball boys who repeatedly hid the goalkeeper’s towel, along with incidents involving their coaching staff and fans using laser pointers to distract Senegalese players.

Further Player Sanctions

Senegal’s Illiman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both Premier League stars, were each issued two-game suspensions for their roles in the chaos. The disciplinary committee’s actions underline CAF’s zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline, regardless of a player’s status or the magnitude of the match.

FIFA’s Response to the AFCON Final Chaos

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was quick to denounce the events, saying, “We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands. We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters and some Senegalese players and staff. Violence and leaving the field cannot be tolerated in our sport.”

Sadio Mane: A Calming Influence Amidst the Storm

Amidst the tension, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane emerged as a voice of reason. Mane intervened when his Senegal teammates were ready to walk off, ultimately convincing them to return and finish the match. He later told reporters, “Sometimes referees make mistakes, but that is part of football. What matters most is respecting the game and remembering that the world is watching. It is never right to stop a match in this way.”

Senegal and Morocco Eye Redemption at the World Cup

Both nations will have a chance to redeem themselves on the global stage at the upcoming World Cup in North America. Morocco has been drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, while Senegal will compete in Group I against France, Norway, and another yet-to-be-determined team. However, Thiaw’s suspension means he risks missing a significant portion of the tournament, which could impact Senegal’s campaign.

Opinion: Discipline Is Key for African Football’s Future

The fallout from the AFCON final serves as a stark reminder that discipline and respect must always be upheld, regardless of the stakes. While the passion and drama of African football is what makes it special, maintaining order on and off the pitch is crucial for the sport’s growth and international reputation. To stay updated on African football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.