Fresh allegations suggest the newly crowned champions could face serious CAF sanctions following chaotic scenes in the final against Morocco.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FINAL
Senegal beat host nation Morocco in a tense AFCON final played in Rabat on January 18.
The match was decided in extra time when Pape Gueye scored a stunning long-range goal in the 94th minute.
But the real drama happened before that goal.
THE CHAOS THAT STARTED IT ALL
Late in normal time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was sent to the VAR screen to review an incident.
Replays appeared to show Senegal defender Malick Diouf pulling down Brahim Diaz during a Moroccan corner.
The referee awarded a penalty.
That decision triggered serious confusion.
SENEGAL WALKED OFF?
After the penalty call:
Senegal players angrily surrounded the officials
Some players walked towards the tunnel
Head coach Pape Thiaw was seen urging his team away from the pitch
For several minutes, the match looked like it might collapse.
Officials struggled to regain control.
BIG NAMES STEPPED IN
According to reports, senior football figures had to calm the situation:
Claude Le Roy reportedly spoke with Sadio Mané
Senegal legend El Hadji Diouf allegedly contacted team leaders
Only after that did play resume.
THE MISSED PENALTY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Morocco were handed a golden chance to take the lead.
Brahim Diaz stepped up.
Instead of blasting the ball, he attempted a Panenka.
The effort was weak and easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Benjamin Mendy.
Moments later, Senegal scored in extra time and won the trophy.
WHY SENEGAL COULD BE IN TROUBLE
According to CAF competition rules:
Any team that refuses to continue playing, walks off the pitch, or abandons a match before full time — without permission — automatically forfeits the match.
The punishment?
A 3–0 defeat
Possible expulsion from the competition
Additional sanctions if CAF decides
This is where Senegal’s problem starts.
COULD THE TITLE BE STRIPPED?
If CAF rules that Senegal abandoned or attempted to abandon the match, the final result could be reviewed.
That could open the door to:
Sanctions and
Even losing the AFCON title
As of now, CAF has said nothing.
No statement. No clarification. Just silence.
💬 What do you think? Should CAF act or let it slide?
Talk to us in the comment section.