CAF Make Decision on Replaying AFCON Final as Senegal Punishment Confirmed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have made a decision on whether to replay Senegal vs. Morocco following their controversial Africa Cup of Nations final and imposed sanctions on both nations.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final of AFCON 2025 in a hugely controversial match.

The final on January 18 in Rabat descended into chaos when Senegal players were ordered to leave the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review.

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch as a result of the contentious decision.

They returned to the dressing room before coming back out after a 17-minute delay.

The game resumed with Brahim Diaz's penalty.

But the Real Madrid star fluffed his lines from spot as his Panenka attempt was easily saved by ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with referee Jean-Jacques Ndala then immediately blowing the whistle for full-time.

Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch after a controversial penalty decision. Image: Getty

Pape Gueye opened the scoring just four minutes into extra-time, with his solo effort proving to be the winner, securing Senegal's first AFCON championship since 2021.

The nature of Morocco's defeat prompted them to take legal action as there were calls for the final to be replayed.

But the CAF's disciplinary committee have dismissed the idea of a replay and have rejected a bid by Morocco's football federation to have the result of the final overturned.

The CAF, however, have imposed a series of sanctions on Senegal, including handing a five-game ban to Thiaw, who initiated the walk-off against Morocco.

He has also been hit with a $100,000 (£72,000) fine, with the CAF saying he was guilty of 'unsporting conduct' and 'bringing the game into disrepute'.

Pape Thiaw has been given a five-game ban following the Africa Cup of Nations final. Image: Getty

Senegal forwards Iliman Ndiaye, of Everton, and Ismaila Sarr, of Crystal Palace, were punished with two-match bans for 'unsporting behaviour towards the referee'.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was also fined a total of $615,000 (£444,000).

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi and forward Ismael Saibari have also been sanctioned by the CAF.

Achraf Hakimi has been handed a two-match ban following the Africa Cup of Nations final. Image: Getty

Hakimi has been issued a two-match ban, with one game suspended for 12 months, while Saibari has been given a three-match ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000)

Both Moroccan players have been sanctioned after stopping Senegal stopper Mendy from getting his towel.

Will they be banned for the World Cup?

Senegal and Morocco have both booked their spots at this summer's World Cup.

The AFCON winners are grouped with France and Norway and another nation still to be determined, while the Atlas Lions are in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

Despite being sanctioned, the bans for Thiaw, Ndiaye, Sarr, Hakimi and Saibari relate to CAF matches only, meaning it will not impact their availability at this summer's World Cup.

Thiaw will be on the touchline and the four players will be available for selection in North America.