AFCON Final Fallout: Senegal Coach Banned, Morocco Sanctioned Over Ball Boys

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat on 18 January.

In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF said Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” during the tense decider, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were also sanctioned, each receiving two-match bans for unsporting behaviour towards the referee.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was hit with fines totalling $615 000, relating to misconduct by players, officials and supporters. CAF cited violations of fair play, loyalty and integrity under its disciplinary code.

Morocco were not spared. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100 000 fine for unsporting behaviour, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches.

Ball Boys Incident Draws Heavy Fine

Most notably, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined $200 000 for the “inappropriate behaviour of stadium ball boys”, one of several incidents that marred the final.

An additional $100 000 fine was imposed for the improper conduct of Moroccan players and technical staff, who invaded the VAR review area and obstructed the Congolese match official. A further $15 000 fine followed after Moroccan supporters used laser pointers to distract Senegalese players, bringing Morocco’s total fine to $315 000.

Morocco are terrible hosts!!

Ball boys are dragging a professional player on the floor. Ball boys? What power do they have?

Look at Saibari too, a champions league player, this is beyond disgraceful brethren. pic.twitter.com/6hRP8eHvXx

— boxy (@boxypiper) January 19, 2026

Controversy and Walk-Off Threat

The final descended into chaos late in regulation time when a goal by Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, the reigning African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, triggering furious protests from Senegal.

Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing angrily towards his players, an action widely interpreted as instructing them to leave the pitch. Most of the Senegal team briefly walked off, before Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return and resume play.

Morocco missed the delayed penalty, with Edouard Mendy saving Diaz’s weak effort. The match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title.

During the stoppage, Senegal supporters threw objects onto the pitch, and some briefly invaded the field before security restored order.

Sanctions Limited to CAF Competitions

CAF confirmed that all bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Thiaw will be barred from the dugout for five of Senegal’s six AFCON 2027 qualifiers, while Ndiaye and Sarr will miss the first two qualifiers. Morocco’s suspended players will also serve their bans in upcoming CAF matches.