CAF issue statement as Senegal and Morocco set to discover punishment for AFCON final chaos | OneFootball

The fallout from a remarkable AFCON 2025 final continues

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the scenes that overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.

However, it took over 20 minutes for the penalty to be taken as in response to the decision, Pape Thiaw ordered the Senegal team off the pitch in truly extraordinary scenes.

Sadio Mane, who remained on the pitch, played a key role in ultimately convincing his team-mates to return and protect the image of Africa football.

“Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there,” Mane told reporters afterwards. “I think that would convey a negative image of our football.

“I think Africa today does not deserve that. African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world. So, on my side, I did what I had to do.

“I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game?

“I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football."

Class act: Sadio Mane

AFP via Getty Images

Senegal, and in particular head coach Thiaw, have been criticised for their actions and the AFCON winners could be punished following a review of the final by CAF.

A statement reads: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

When play did eventually resume, Diaz’s panenka penalty effort was saved by Edouard Mendy in what was the last kick of the football in normal time.

Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal with a sensational effort four minutes into extra-time, capping off a remarkable final and sealing a second AFCON title for Senegal.