By Ben Efe 19.1.2026
Sunday’s final match of the Africa Cup of Nations is still up for discuss and the world soccer governing body and Confederation of Africa Football have described the Senegal team decision to abandon the match as an “unacceptable behaviour.”
The match referee had given Morocco’s Atlas Lions a penalty in injury time, this was after he had disallowed a goal by Senegal. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to get off the pitch, and the game was held up for 20 minutes.
Senegal eventually returned at the urging of Sadio Mane and luckily for them Brahim Diaz shot tamely into the hands of Edouard Mendy and Pape Gueye smashed home the only goal of the match in extra time.
CAF said in a statement that it was investigating the behaviour of the Senegal Teranga Lions who lifted the trophy for the second time. CAF said it would not tolerate inappropriate conduct during matches, particularly actions directed at referees or match organisers.
The governing body said it is examining all available video footage from the final and will refer the matter to the competent disciplinary bodies.
CAF added that appropriate action would be taken against any individuals found to have breached regulations.
Speaking on the development FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.
“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.
“I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”