The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed that an official delegation appeared before the Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, January 27, as investigations continue into the dramatic events that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
In an official statement, the federation explained that the hearing was prompted by reports submitted by match officials, alongside formal reservations lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation concerning the conduct of certain members of the Senegalese national team during the final.
The Senegalese delegation at the hearing was led by the federation’s Secretary General and legal counsel Seydou Diagne, who presented the country’s legal arguments before the disciplinary body.
According to the statement, which was issued in French, Senegal’s technical director Pape Thiaw, together with players Ismaila Sarr and Elman Ndiaye, were invited to give their accounts of the incident. The trio provided explanations and presented their defenses during the session.
The federation further revealed that the CAF Disciplinary Committee has decided to reserve the case for deliberation, with a final ruling expected to be announced within 48 hours.
Senegal reaffirmed its respect for CAF’s disciplinary procedures and the legal framework governing the continental body.
The AFCON final itself was one of the most dramatic in the tournament’s history. Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in a match that was overshadowed by controversy and prolonged interruptions.
As the game approached full-time and appeared destined for extra time, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed a goal for Senegal after penalising Achraf Hakimi for a foul moments before the ball crossed the line. Shortly afterwards, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, ruling that Atlas Lions star Brahim Diaz had been clearly obstructed.
The decision sparked furious protests from Senegalese players and officials, with Pape Thiaw urging his team to leave the pitch in protest. Tensions escalated further when some Senegalese supporters descended from the stands, clashing with security personnel and causing damage to sections of the stadium.
Play was suspended for several minutes after Senegal’s players walked off the field, but captain Sadio Mane eventually persuaded his teammates to return and see out the match.
When play resumed, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but opted for a weak attempt down the middle in the style of “Panenka”, allowing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to make a comfortable save. The referee blew for full-time immediately after the miss, sending the match into extra time.
Senegal finally secured victory in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, sealing a historic triumph for the Lions of Teranga.
In the aftermath, the Moroccan Football Federation formally requested sanctions against Senegal over the temporary withdrawal from the pitch and the unrest caused by sections of their supporters.
CAF’s investigation remains ongoing as both federations await the disciplinary committee’s final verdict.
