The AFCON final descended into chaos late on when Thiaw ordered his players walked off the pitch in protest after the hosts were awarded a stoppage‑time penalty. All of Senegal's players, except Liverpool icon Sadio Mane and the coaching staff headed back down the tunnel in defiance. Senegal went on to win in extra time, albeit with a lingering sense of what might have been. Reports in Africa claimed that CAF launched a disciplinary procedure against Thiaw, but it's now suggested he has been suspended. ‌CAF issued a statement on Monday morning condemning what it described as the 'unacceptable behaviour' of certain players and officials during the match.

Source: Daily Mirror January 19, 2026 14:34 UTC