The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concluded with a final that will be remembered more for its chaotic scenes and disciplinary fallout than for the football itself. On January 18, 2026, Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in Rabat to claim their second continental title, but the match was marred by a pitch walk-off and subsequent massive fines and suspensions handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This article breaks down the historic sanctions, the dramatic penalty miss, and Morocco’s standing in the tournament’s history.
Did CAF sanction Morocco, and how many teams?
Yes, CAF officially sanctioned both Senegal and Morocco on January 28, 2026, following the "chaotic" final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.
Senegal Sanctions:
Pape Thiaw (Head Coach): 5-match suspension and a $100,000 fine for leading a 20-minute pitch walk-off.Iliman Ndiaye & Ismaïla Sarr: 2-match suspensions each for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
Federation (FSF): Fined a total of $615,000 for supporter misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
Morocco Sanctions:
Achraf Hakimi: 2-match suspension (one match suspended on probation).
Ismaël Saibari: 3-match suspension and a $100,000 fine.
Federation (FRMF): Fined $315,000 for ball-boy interference and the use of laser pointers by fans.
Did Morocco miss a penalty against Senegal?
Yes. In the final moments of normal time, with the score at 0–0, Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty after a lengthy VAR review. During the ensuing 20-minute delay caused by Senegal’s protest, Brahim DÃaz stepped up to take the kick.
In a moment that stunned the home crowd, DÃaz attempted a Panenka chip, which was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. This miss proved fatal, as Senegal went on to score the winning goal through Pape Gueye in the 94th minute of extra time.
Did Senegal qualify for the Round of 16?
Yes, Senegal enjoyed a dominant path to the title:
Group Stage: They finished top of Group D with a perfect record, defeating Benin, Botswana, and DR Congo.
Round of 16: They comfortably defeated Sudan (the Group E third-place finishers) 3–0 on January 3, 2026.
How many times has Morocco won CAF?
Despite their status as a global football power, Morocco has won the Africa Cup of Nations only once.
Recent Heartbreak: The 2025 tournament was seen as their best chance to end a "50-year hurt," but they finished as runners-up for the second time in their history (their previous second-place finish was in 2004).
Key Facts: AFCON 2025 Final
| Event | Detail |
| Final Score | Senegal 1 - 0 Morocco (AET) |
| Winning Goal | Pape Gueye (94') |
| Match Official | Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo) |
| Total Fines | Over $1 Million (Combined) |
The disciplinary fallout from the 2025 AFCON Final has sent shockwaves through African football. While Senegal celebrated their second star, both they and Morocco have been hit with unprecedented sanctions by CAF’s Disciplinary Board.
Here is the breakdown of why the bans were issued, the drama surrounding the penalty, and what this means for the future.
Why was Achraf Hakimi suspended?
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension (with one match suspended for a one-year probationary period). The reason for the ban was unsporting behavior during a massive brawl that erupted near the end of the match.
The chaos involved:
The "Towel Scuffle": In a bizarre turn of events, Moroccan ball boys attempted to steal Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s lucky towel. Hakimi and teammate Ismaël Saibari were seen actively participating in the ensuing scuffle with Senegalese players.
VAR Area Invasion: Hakimi was also cited among the players and staff who "stormed" the VAR review area to pressure referee Jean-Jacques Ndala during the critical penalty decision.The Brahim DÃaz Penalty Miss: A Panenka Gone Wrong
The most defining moment of the final occurred in the 98th minute. With the match scoreless, Morocco was awarded a penalty after DÃaz was fouled in the box.
The 20-Minute Delay: Infuriated by the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team to walk off the pitch. The game was halted for nearly 20 minutes before they returned.
The Miss: Attempting to catch Edouard Mendy off guard, DÃaz opted for a Panenka (a soft chip down the middle). Mendy, however, remained rooted to the spot and caught the ball with ease.The Aftermath: DÃaz took to social media the following day, stating his "soul hurts" and taking full responsibility for the loss, which Senegal eventually won 1–0 in extra time.
Will the sanctions affect the 2026 World Cup?
No. CAF has clarified that these suspensions apply only to CAF-sanctioned competitions.
2026 World Cup: Both Senegal and Morocco will have their full squads and coaches available for the World Cup in North America.
2027 AFCON Qualifiers: This is where the bans will hurt. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw will miss five of the six qualifying matches scheduled for later in 2026. Hakimi, Saibari, and the sanctioned Senegalese players (Sarr and Ndiaye) will also miss the opening qualifiers in September.Final Disciplinary Summary (Jan 2026)
| Individual/Entity | Sanction | Reason |
| Pape Thiaw (SEN) | 5-Match Ban + $100k Fine | Ordering team walk-off |
| Achraf Hakimi (MAR) | 2-Match Ban (1 suspended) | Unsporting behavior |
| Ismaël Saibari (MAR) | 3-Match Ban + $100k Fine | Brawl/Unsporting conduct |
| Moroccan Fed (FRMF) | $315,000 Total Fine | Ball boy misconduct & lasers |
| Senegalese Fed (FSF) | $615,000 Total Fine | Walk-off & supporter behavior |
