• Historic Stand by Mané as CAF Hands Down Sweeping Sanctions

The African Football Confederation (CAF) issued a series of harsh penalties against both finalists of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco and Senegal, following the dramatic clashes at Rabat’s Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, which ended with Senegal claiming the continental crown.

Morocco’s Protest Rejected, Hakimi Suspended In a decisive ruling, CAF dismissed the official protest filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation against the Senegalese side.

Morocco faced further sanctions, including a two-match suspension for star player Achraf Hakimi (one suspended), a three-match suspension and $100,000 fine for Ismaila Sibrari due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

Financial penalties for the Moroccan federation totaled $315,000, covering misconduct by team officials, intrusion into the VAR technical area, and fans’ use of laser pointers.

Senegal Capped Despite Victory

Despite winning the title, Senegal also faced heavy sanctions. Coach Aliou Cissé received the harshest penalty—a five-match ban and $100,000 fine for behavior that harmed the sport’s reputation.

Players Elimane Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each suspended for two matches for unsportsmanlike protests against the referee.

Financially, the Senegalese federation was fined $615,000 for fan misconduct, unsportsmanlike behavior by players and staff, and an additional fine due to five players receiving yellow cards during the match.

Behind the “Crazy Final”

The sanctions followed a tense finale in which Senegal nearly walked off the pitch in protest of a Moroccan penalty awarded by referee Jack Ndala, after a Senegalese goal was disallowed minutes earlier.

The historic moment came when star Sadio Mané insisted his teammates return to the field, saying, “Let’s go back and play like men,” enabling Senegal to eventually win 1-0 after two exhausting extra-time periods, lifting the trophy in the heart of Morocco’s capital.