![\"Senegal](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/S5603e968-0cbe-4dfa-b319-55d938d9e2b0.jpg\")
Security staff tackle Senegal fans who invaded the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Jan. 18, 2026. <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nSenegal head coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended for five matches and fined $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” after he told his team to leave the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The Confederation of African Football levied the punishment to Thiaw on Thursday as well as fining Senegal’s federation $615,000 due to the team’s conduct and the behavior of its fans on Jan. 19.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Also, Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were banned for two CAF matches following unprofessional behavior toward the referee.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The suspensions only apply to official CAF matches and not the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n As for Morocco, captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match CAF ban for his “unsporting behavior” during the final. Teammate Ismael Saibari also was suspended for three official CAF matches and fined $100,000.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n The Moroccan soccer federation also was fined a total of $315,000 for the behavior of its players and staff as well as fans for using lasers as a means to distract the opposition in the final. The penalty also included the behavior of the ball boys, who were spotted taking away a hand towel from the Senegalese goalkeeper during the match.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The CAF’s Disciplinary Committee dismissed Morocco’s request to have the result of the match overturned after the Senegal players walked off the pitch.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Senegal won 1-0 on an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye. However, that only came following a series of events toward the end of regulation that led to most of Senegal’s players leaving the field.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The controversy began when Senegal was denied a stoppage-time goal due to a foul that was called in the build-up. Moments later, Morocco was awarded a penalty kick following a VAR check when Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was called for a foul in the box.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Many Senegal players walked off the field in protest, leading to a delay of more than 15 minutes. Meanwhile, some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field while fights broke out in the stands.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Once the Senegal players returned, Brahim Diaz’s penalty kick was saved by Edouard Mendy.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n