Football

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

Published

6 months 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

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.

The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.

The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.

The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.

In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.

DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi

Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.

A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.

Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.

Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.

Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.

Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.

Sudan’s captain Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr in action against Tanzania’s Shomvi Rajabu (Left)

Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.

Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.

A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.

The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.

Sudan U-20 and Sudan’s Obai Abdalla (shirt 23) beats Tanzania’s Juma Sagwe during the CECAFA U-20 final at Uhuru stadium, Dar-es-salaam

Team Line Ups:

Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla

Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee

Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)

Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman

Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah

Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)

Match officials: