Football

CAF Shot Itself in the Foot: Senegal Walk-Off and the Misguided Reversal of the AFCON 2025 Final

Published

2 weeks ago

March 19, 2026

The 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco delivered one of the most dramatic and controversial moments in African football history.

In the dying minutes of the match, Senegalese players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest, claiming that Congolese referee Ndala Ngambo had been unfair in awarding Morocco a late penalty.

The controversy escalated after the referee disallowed a Senegalese goal a minute earlier, ruling there had been a push by the Senegalese attacker, a decision that, upon review, fully complied with IFAB Laws of the Game.

After briefly leaving the field, Senegal returned to continue the match, allowing the penalty to be taken, which Morocco missed. Senegal later scored the winning goal in extra time through Papa Gueye, ultimately lifting the 2025 AFCON trophy.

Chaos, drama as Senegal clinch 2025 AFCON title

Divided Reactions: Emotions vs. Reason

The walk-off divided the football world:

Supporters of Senegal’s actions argued emotionally that Morocco had been favoured by referees throughout the tournament, citing earlier incidents, such as a missed penalty for Tanzania and controversial calls in the knockout match against Cameroon.

The technical football world, however, saw Senegal’s actions as bringing the game into disrepute, a serious offence in professional football, comparable to a “capital offence” in football terms.

CAF’s Article 84 clearly states that:

Any team that violates Articles 82 and 83 (e.g., refusing to play, failing to show up, or leaving the pitch without referee authorization) shall be eliminated from the competition.
The team shall lose the match by a 3–0 margin unless the opposing team had already scored more than 3 goals, in which case that score stands.
Additional sanctions may be imposed by the Organizing Committee.

However, these sanctions are typically applied when a match is not completed. In this instance, Senegal completed 120 minutes on the pitch, technically justifying their victory. CAF’s decision to retroactively consider disqualification or to appear lenient effectively undermined its own disciplinary framework.

CAF slap heavy fines on Senegal, Morocco for AFCON 2025 final violence

CAF’s Light-Handed Sanctions

CAF imposed the following penalties:

Head Coach – Pape Bouna Thiaw

Suspended: 5 CAF matches
Fined: $100,000

Senegal Football Federation (FSF)

$300,000 – misconduct of players and technical staff
$300,000 – misconduct of supporters
$15,000 – team misconduct (multiple cautions)

Senegal Players

Iliman Ndiaye – 2-match suspension
Ismaila Sarr – 2-match suspension

Many critics viewed these sanctions as insufficient. Former CAF Disciplinary Committee Chairman Raymond Hack remarked: “The incident was primarily caused by the Senegal coach, who took his players off the pitch and disrupted the match, bringing the game into disrepute. CAF’s sanctions were far too lenient; stronger action, including longer suspensions and heavier fines, was necessary to protect the integrity of the game.”

What CAF should have done

1. Awarding Senegal, the win on the pitch was correct, as the match concluded despite disruption.

2. Heavier sanctions for the coach, such as a five-year ban from all football activities, coupled with mandatory courses on management and anger control.

3. Suspending the Senegalese national team from international competition for a defined period (even risking their World Cup qualification) to enforce respect for the rules and the Laws of the Game.

Such decisive action would have sent a clear message that football must be respected and that violations of conduct will not be tolerated.

Broader Implications for African Football

Senegal’s behaviour and CAF’s response set a dangerous precedent. If teams adopt similar tactics, football matches risk not being completed, and disciplinary standards could be eroded.

IFAB’s forthcoming amendments address such incidents:

“Any team that walks off in protest of a referee’s decision will face strict disciplinary action, including possible match forfeiture, player and coach sanctions, and additional penalties, as part of a zero-tolerance approach to uphold respect for referees and the integrity of the game.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced this at the 140th IFAB Annual General Meeting (February 2026):

“We will not allow players or coaches to walk off the field because they disagree with a referee. The referee has to be respected.”

CAF’s light-handed ruling may embolden weaker football federations in Africa to exploit regulations to suit their interests, rather than applying the Laws of the Game fairly. In some African competitions, an estimated 60% of matches are decided off the field, as seen in Uganda’s FUFA-sanctioned replays, including ERA Bul FC vs SC Villa and Onduparaka FC vs KCCA FC, where referees are unfairly blamed for premature match endings.

While Senegal lifted the AFCON 2025 trophy, their walk-off and CAF’s leniency cast a shadow over African football. By failing to impose stricter sanctions, CAF not only undermined its authority but also risked normalising misconduct. Discipline, respect for referees, and adherence to the Laws of the Game must remain non-negotiable to protect the integrity of football in Africa and beyond.

The post CAF Shot Itself in the Foot: Senegal Walk-Off and the Misguided Reversal of the AFCON 2025 Final appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Government okays money for naturalisation of players to feature for Uganda Cranes

Published

9 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Kenny Malone

Government of Uganda has granted the release of funds for FUFA to work on naturalisation of players to feature for Uganda Cranes in the near future.

FUFA President Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo while appearing on CBS FM Akaati Kebyemizannyo show on Wednesday, confirmed Government will release 1.5 Billion shillings for naturalisation of players.

“I want to confirm that we have had engagements with Government for naturalisation of players who have attachment with Uganda but have been raised in Europe and elsewhere. The money we asked for is 1.5 Billion and that will be given to us,” he stated.

Magogo indicated that several countries across Africa and beyond have taken this route to identify players who come with better quality.

“When we told the public we want this money, there was a lot of discontent but I want to tell you that this is what other countries like Morocco, Senegal and others are doing. If you look at our National Team currently, you can see that there are several players like Elio Capradossi who who have agreed to play for Uganda and you can see that their quality is better.”

The FUFA President also revealed that the process has been ongoing and there are several players they are talking to.

“ If you look at what other countries are investing, the money we asked for is way less but we have been doing work behind curtains and there are negotiations going on. FUFA appointed Mr. Mathias Ndawula who moves across Europe to try and identify players that have attachment to Uganda. Hopefully, by the next international window in June, we might see some new faces.”

Devine Mukasa, Arthur Okonkwo, Bashir Humphreys and Joshua Muwana are some of the players that have attachment to Uganda.

The post Government okays money for naturalisation of players to feature for Uganda Cranes appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Philippines held to draw by Tajikistan, falls short of Asian Cup return

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Elliot Michael

By: Icko de Guzman

Needing a win to secure a return to the AFC Asian Cup, the Philippines saw its hopes dashed after settling for a 1–1 draw against Tajikistan in their final qualifying match at Hisor Central Stadium in Dushanbe.

The result left the Philippines short of qualification, finishing second in Group A level on 14 points with Tajikistan, but ultimately edged out on goal difference.

The Philippines last reached the Asian Cup in 2019, booking their spot with a 2–1 victory over the same opponent at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila in March 2018.

Raphael Obermair made his long-awaited national team debut and marked it with a goal in the 19th minute to give the Philippines an early boost. The SC Paderborn midfielder connected on a cross from Randy Schneider on the right flank and fired a low strike into the far corner.

However, Tajikistan responded five minutes before halftime, as Shereddin Boboev found space outside the box and unleashed a shot that beat Kevin Ray Hansen, taking a deflection on its way into the goal.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half. The Philippines nearly broke through in the 85th minute, with Jesper Nyholm testing the goal, while Jarvey Gayoso had a late chance but sent his volley over the bar.

With their Asian Cup bid falling short, the Philippines now shifts focus to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, set for July to August.

The post Philippines held to draw by Tajikistan, falls short of Asian Cup return appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

Football

St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende optimistic prior to 2026 CAF African Schools Championship in Zimbabwe

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

Kenny Malone

Event: 2026 CAF African schools championship
Dates: 2nd to 10th April 2026
Venue: Harare, Zimbabwe

Team Uganda will be represented by St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende at the 2026 CAF African Schools championship in Harare city, Zimbabwe (2nd to 10th April).

This event brings together boys and girls under 15 years from different countries across Africa.

Uganda has representation only among the male gender with the other countries being Zimbabwe (Hosts), Benin, DR Congo, Morocco, Senegal, Zambia and the reigning champions, Tanzania.

Ghana is the defending champions among the girls. They will be joined by Zimbabwe (Hosts), DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania and Zambia.

St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende players and other officials

Team Uganda was officially flagged off on the evening of Tuesday, 31st March 2026 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The guest list was rich led by the Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports Rev. Canon Dr Duncans Mugumya.

St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende players with the national flag

Other officials included; Edgar Watson Suubi (CEO of Federation of Uganda Football Associations), Justus Mugisha (president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association and FUFA Vice president), Christopher Mugisha Banage (USSSA General Secretary), Patrick Alfred Okanya (USSSA president emeritus), Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa (head teacher, St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende), Claire Mulindwa and other USSSA members of the secretariat.

The team departed on Wednesday morning aboard Rwandair.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s Isaac Ssentongo is among the pool of match officials selected through the CAF Young Referees’ Programme for this championship.

Quotes:

We have prepared well for these games and we are ready to go for the title.

Livingstone Kulata, team captain

The players have undergone great training and warm up games. We are ready physically and mentally with one target at hand; to bring home the trophy.

Hassan Zzungu, head coach

I thank the Government of Uganda that has continued to invest endlessly in the sports sub-sector. Special thanks to FUFA and USSSA for organizing the football competitions. We are proud of you. You have a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talent to the world. Give your best and you will return victorious.

Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya

I congratulate St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende for the making it once again for the CAF Schools African football championship. This is the third time that they are representing the country on the continent. I have all the reasons to believe that you will return victorious from Zimbabwe. I thank the director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa for the massive investment undertaken.

Justus Mugisha, president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA)

Justus Mugisha, USSSA president and FUFA Vice president

Special thanks to the Almighty God that we managed to qualify to represent Uganda at the CAF African schools championship. I thank all the players and stakeholders for the effort undertaken to ensure this feat. I thank the Ministry of Education and Sports as well as the Government at large for the conducive environment created. I thank the St Mary’s management for tapping the talent to form a formidable team, one that has qualified to represent the country. Special thanks to the director Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for the investment undertaken and special appreciation to USSSA for organizing successful sports competitions.

Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa, head teacher St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende

Justus Mugisha with St Mary’s Kitende head teacher Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa sharing a light moment

This competition falls in line with the FUFA Technical Master plan; developing players and coaches. To the players, please do not take this for granted. You are now representing Uganda. Take it in your mind, that you are representing Uganda. Do not underestimate time. Play to your best and remember this is your time. I thank the USSSA president for always lobbying CAF to host this particular competition in Uganda. I also applaud the FUFA Executive committee led by Eng. Moses Magogo, Dr Lawrence Mulindwa and St Mary’s Kitende for accepting to host a regional event of this magnitude. In the same vein, I thanked the Ministry of Education of Sports and CAF for this wonderful project, a high-level competition for youngsters.

Edgar Watson Suubi, FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are humbled for this special occasion to represent the country at the CAF Africa Schools football championship. We thank the director, school management, coaches, players, USSSA and Government for the collective effort. The target remains; to win the trophy back home.

Claire Mulindwa

Rev Canon Duncans Mugumya with Claire Mulindwa

Full Delegation:

Officials:

Head of Delegation: Twahil Kiteezaala
Government officials: Duncans Mugumya (Commissioner Physical education and sports, Ministry of Education & Sports) & Brighton Barugahare (Commissioner Policy and Research in Ministry of Education and Sports)
Member Association Representative: Saidi Ddamulira
Media officer: Aisha Nakato

Players:

Frank Musisi, Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Nabiru Kajumba, Shakur Ngobi, Hamidu Kasumba, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingstone Kulata, Haruna Kisakye, Owen Mukisa, Elisa Mukasa, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Lucky Wanyama, Imran Ssebbale, Shafic Kitimbo, Eze Kombi, Derrick Rwothomio, Emmanuel Opio

Team Officials:

Team manager: Ronald Mulajje
Head Coach: Hassan Zungu
Assistant Coach: Micheal Kabali
Safe Guarding: Joel Muwanguzi
Team Doctor: Aloysious Kyeyune
Goal keeping Coach: Mubarak Kiberu

Teams:

Boys: Zimbabwe (Hosts), Benin, DR Congo, Tanzania (Champions), Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia
Girls: Zimbabwe (Hosts), DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Ghana (Champions), Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia