AFCON final: Mané saves Senegal from heavy sanctions | OneFootball

AFCON final: Mané’s composure spares Senegal from severe punishment

Senegal / @x.com/gimbakakanda/

The Senegalese national team came perilously close to facing severe disciplinary action during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, after considering leaving the pitch in protest of a highly controversial refereeing decision.The closing moments of regulation time were marked by intense tension, following a penalty awarded to Morocco by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after a VAR review for a supposed foul on Brahim Díaz inside the box.This decision triggered fierce protests from the Senegalese players and technical staff, especially in light of the lack of VAR intervention when a Senegalese goal was disallowed earlier in the match. Amid a charged atmosphere, the "Lions of Teranga" even walked off the pitch for a few moments, raising the specter of a possible permanent withdrawal.

Mané’s composure spares Senegal from severe punishment

The rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) consider withdrawal or refusal to resume a match a serious offense, punishable by a forfeit loss (3-0), regardless of how the match has unfolded.Had Senegal actually withdrawn, Morocco would have been crowned African champions on the spot. The Senegalese Football Federation also would have faced a hefty fine ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 euros, along with additional disciplinary sanctions related to the incident.The Senegalese squad also risked suspensions for certain officials, and even harsher penalties such as a two-edition ban from the Africa Cup of Nations (2027 and 2032), in accordance with current regulations. Individual sanctions could also have targeted coach Pape Thiaw, captain Idrissa Gueye, and several players.Among the potential disciplinary measures was the possibility that Senegal would be forced to play its upcoming official matches behind closed doors, without any supporters present.Thanks to the composure and decisive intervention of Sadio Mané, Senegal ultimately avoided disaster, preserving both its image and its future on the continental stage.