AFCON 2025: CAF bans Senegal coach Pape Thiaw officially after final walkout vs Morocco

Senegal’s historic AFC​ON 2025 victory has been dampened by a severe hammer blow from CAF, as head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been slapped with a five-match suspension and a USD 100,000 fine.

The ruling follows Thiaw’s role in the chaotic scenes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where he was seen instructing his players to leave the field in protest against a VAR-awarded penalty for Morocco.

The CAF Disciplinary Board was uncompromising in its assessment, citing Thiaw for "unsporting conduct" and violating the principles of "fair play and integrity."

By leading a walk-off in a major continental final, the board ruled that Thiaw had brought the game into disrepute.

The five-match ban means Thiaw will be absent from the touchline for the bulk of Senegal’s upcoming official CAF assignments, a major hurdle for the champions as they look to build on their continental dominance.

Thiaw is not the only member of the Senegalese contingent facing time on the sidelines. Two key stars were also sanctioned for their aggressive behaviour toward the match officials during the height of the tension.

• Iliman Ndiaye: Suspended for two (2) official CAF matches.

• Ismaila Sarr: Suspended for two (2) official CAF matches.

These individual bans come on top of the USD 15,000 fine handed to the FSF because five different players received cautions during the ill-tempered final.

While the Lions of Teranga can still celebrate being the kings of Africa, the cost of their defiance in Rabat has proven to be both financially and professionally staggering.