Senegal boss Thiaw banned after Afcon final chaos

6 days ago 44

Pape Thiaw and the Senegal players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of NationsImage source, Getty Images

Image caption,

Pape Thiaw (centre) will miss five of Senegal's six 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

ByAilsa Cowen

BBC Sport journalist

Senegal manager Pape Thiaw has been banned for five games after the chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco this month.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued Thiaw with a $100,000 (£72,000) fine, saying he was guilty of "unsporting conduct" and "bringing the game into disrepute".

The final in Rabat, which Senegal went on to win 1-0, descended into disarray when Senegal's players left the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

Thiaw, still incensed by the referee's decision to disallow Ismaila Sarr's goal for a foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi moments earlier, instructed his players to leave the field.

The match was delayed by about 17 minutes before Senegal captain Sadio Mane convinced his team-mates to return to the pitch.

Brahim Diaz's 'Panenka' penalty was saved by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy, then referee Jean-Jacques Ndala immediately blew the whistle for full-time.

Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a second Afcon triumph in five years for Senegal.

Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye and midfielder Sarr received two-match bans for "unsporting behaviour towards the referee", while the Senegal Football Federation was fined $615,000 (£444,000).

Morocco forward Ismael Saibari was given a three-match ban and fined $100,000 (£72,000), while defender Hakimi was handed a two-match ban.

The bans for Thiaw and the four players relate to CAF matches only and will not impact preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

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