Pape Thiaw: Senegal Coach Risks Missing 2026 World Cup After AFCON Final Drama

Senegal and their coach Pape Thiaw are facing the prospect of heavy fines after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opened a probe following incidents witnessed during the Africa Cup of Nations final.

‎Ugly scenes were witnessed during the later stages of the match between Senegal and Morocco on Sunday night when Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to the Atlas Lions.

‎In injury time, Morocco were awarded a penalty when Elhadji Diouf was adjudged to have brought down Brahim Diaz in the box as a Morocco corner was being taken.

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Senegal, who had a goal disallowed minutes earlier over a foul on Achraf Hakimi just before it was scored, protested what they felt was an unfair call from the referee.

It led to a long stoppage with Thiaw calling his players off the pitch before Sadio Mane, who was among a handful that did not leave, urged his teammates to comeback and continue.

‎Drama would ensue during the penalty as Diaz was left red-faced when his attempt to take a panenka flopped and the game went to extra-time where Pape Gueye scored for Senegal to win the title.

‎The incident has dominated the pre-match talk, overshadowing the game, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino among those who have condemned it and CAF has also come out strongly.

‎"The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night," CAF said through a statement.

‎"CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

‎"CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty."

‎Senegal and Thiaw are likely to be slapped with sanctions that range from monetary fines to suspensions.

The Senegalese Football Federation could be fined up to $300,000 while Thiaw could be fined at least $10,000 and handed a suspension of not less than four matches if found culpable.

‎That would be a blow for the Senegal coach which could potentially see him miss the 2026 World Cup group stages and Round of 16, if his team gets there.