Senegal Manager Pape Thiaw Faces Suspension After AFCON Final Incident

Pape Thiaw, the manager of Senegal, has been suspended for five games following the tumultuous events that unfolded during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco earlier this month.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a fine of $100,000 (£72,000) on Thiaw, citing his involvement in “unsporting conduct” and actions that “brought the game into disrepute.”

The final, held in Rabat, saw Senegal emerge victorious with a score of 1-0, but the match took a chaotic turn when Senegal’s players left the field due to a controversial stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.

Thiaw, frustrated by the referee’s decision to disallow a goal by Ismaila Sarr for a foul on Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi just moments earlier, directed his players to exit the pitch. The game was delayed for approximately 17 minutes until Senegal’s captain, Sadio Mane, persuaded his teammates to return.

Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s ‘Panenka’ penalty, and referee Jean-Jacques Ndala subsequently blew the final whistle. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time, granting Senegal its second AFCON title in five years.

In addition to Thiaw’s suspension, forward Iliman Ndiaye and midfielder Sarr received two-match bans for their unsporting behavior towards the referee. The Senegal Football Federation has also been fined $615,000 (£444,000).

Furthermore, Morocco’s forward Ismael Saibari was handed a three-match ban along with a $100,000 fine, while defender Hakimi received a two-match suspension.

It is important to note that the bans imposed on Thiaw and the four players pertain solely to CAF matches and will not interfere with preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.