Senegal's dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final victory has been plunged into controversy, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launching an investigation that could lead to sanctions against the champions.
Controversial Walk-Off Mars Final
The incident that sparked the potential disciplinary action occurred during the final against hosts Morocco in Rabat on the night of 18 January 2026. In the eighth minute of stoppage time, with the score level, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review. This came moments after Senegal had a goal disallowed.
In a stunning act of protest, Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw led his entire team off the pitch. The dramatic walk-off caused a 16-minute delay before the players were persuaded to return. Morocco's Brahim Diaz then missed the resulting spot-kick, and the match went to extra-time, where a spectacular strike from Pape Gueye secured the trophy for Senegal.
CAF Condemns 'Unacceptable Behaviour'
Despite the on-pitch triumph, tournament organisers CAF have strongly condemned the actions of the Senegalese team. In an official statement, the confederation said it was reviewing all footage and would refer the matter to its competent bodies for appropriate action.
"CAF condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials," the statement read. "CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers."
Mixed Reactions from Players and Coaches
The protest drew criticism from within and outside the Senegalese camp. Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, called the walk-off "shameful" for African football's image. "What Pape did does not honour Africa," Regragui stated. "We stopped the match in the eyes of the world for 10 minutes."
Senegal's own star forward, Sadio Mane, appeared reluctant to leave the pitch and later expressed his disapproval. He told reporters it would have been "crazy" not to finish the game and that such an act would convey a negative image of African football, which has evolved impressively.
Coach Pape Thiaw subsequently apologised for his actions in the heat of the moment, admitting to beIN Sports that "we shouldn’t have done it" and presenting his apologies to football.
The impending CAF disciplinary process now threatens to cast a lasting shadow over Senegal's continental triumph, as football authorities seek to address the unprecedented protest that briefly halted the continent's showpiece event.
