The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Senegal after players and coaching staff staged a mid-game walk-off during a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. The incident occurred deep into stoppage time when hosts Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR review by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Brahim Diaz went down under a challenge from El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal, who had earlier had a goal disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, were outraged. Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the majority of the team stormed off the pitch, causing a 14-minute delay. Senegal talisman Sadio Mane eventually convinced his teammates to return, and Diaz's chipped penalty was easily saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored a stunning goal to give Senegal a 1-0 victory and their second Africa Cup of Nations title in four years.
CAF condemned the “unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials” and said it was reviewing footage. Thiaw later apologised for his actions but was jeered and walked out of his scheduled post-match press conference. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui called Thiaw's behaviour “shameful”. Fifa president Gianni Infantino also condemned the scenes, stating that “violence and walk-offs had no place in football”.
The final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was marred by controversy and toxicity. Morocco, who won the fair play award, faced criticism for using a towel trick to unsettle Senegal's goalkeeper. The outcome of the disciplinary proceedings will be closely watched as they could have implications for the future of the competition and international football.
