- Senegal are set to be in CAF’s Disciplinary Committee crosshairs despite winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
- The Teranga Lions had Pape Gueye to thank as they defied multiple odds to beat Morocco in Rabat to win their second title
- However, the incidents in stoppage time that saw the Senegal players leave momentarily could land them in trouble
Senegal were crowned African champions for the second time in history after they overcame Morocco in the final.
Source: Getty Images
Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute of extra time after a stoppage time that was riddled with every possible controversy imaginable.
From a disallowed goal to a late penalty that was missed to fans fighting security officials, to Senegal walking off the pitch, not even the best scriptwriters would have envisaged this.
Sadio Mane’s decision to ask his teammates to return and finish the game was vindicated as he won his second star on his final AFCON appearance.
AFCON rules on refusal to play, leaving field of play
However, the Teranga Lions and their coach are not yet out of the woods as CAF will certainly review what unfolded in Rabat.
Head coach Pape Thiaw was spotted asking his players to step off the pitch in protest, something that contravenes Chapter 35 on AFCON rules.
Additionally, the rules state that any team that leaves the pitch before the end of the game, without the referee’s approval, shall be considered a loser.
“If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered looser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition. The same shall apply for the teams previously disqualified by the decision of CAF.”
Possible punishments Senegal could face after AFCON 2025 drama
The immediate punishment is expulsion from the tournament, but since Senegal returned to the pitch and finished the match, their case could be different.
CAF’s disciplinary committee could step in and invoke sanctions on the Teranga Lions.
“The team shall be eliminated for good from the competition. This team will lose its match by 3-0 unless the opponent has scored a more advantageous result at the time when the match was interrupted; in this case, this score will be maintained. The Organising Committee may adopt further measures.”
Senegal could also face sanctions after their fans were spotted squaring off with the security personnel as they attempted to invade the pitch of play, which is against the rules.
Senegal coach apologises after AFCON 2025 final
Thiaw has since apologised for his role in the whole melee after he asked the players to leave the pitch.
“I didn’t appreciate at all that I told my players to leave the field. I apologise for football. After reflection, I had them come back. Sometimes, you can react in the heat of the moment. But we accept the referee’s mistakes. We offer our apologies to football,” he said.
Cameroon’s Football Federation President, Samuel Eto’o, has already been banned and fined USD 20,000 (KSh 2.5 million) at AFCON 2025 for misconduct.
More to follow.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
