By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Head Coach of Senegal’s Teranga Lions, Pape Thiaw, following chaotic scenes during Sunday’s final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Senegal emerged champions of Africa after defeating the host nation, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in a tense and controversial final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.

The match ended goalless in regulation time before Pape Gueye struck four minutes into extra time to give Senegal a decisive 1–0 lead.

However, drama erupted deep into second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty.

The decision triggered heated protests, culminating in Coach Pape Thiaw ordering Senegalese players to walk off the pitch in protest.

The situation threatened to derail the final before Senegal captain and star forward, Sadio Mané, intervened and persuaded his teammates to return from the dressing room, allowing the match to be concluded.

CAF’s decision to suspend Coach Thiaw followed a review of the incident, citing breaches of conduct and failure to uphold the integrity of the game during a high-profile continental final.

Despite the controversy, Senegal held on to secure their AFCON crown, sealing a historic triumph marked by both footballing excellence and dramatic confrontation.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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