How were Senegal wrong?

The main reason for the unusual sanction for a major continental competition is due to the Senegal national team staging a walkout in protest to a penalty decision.

According to CAF's statement, the Lions of Teranga breached Article 82 which states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the pitch before the final whistle without referee authorization is deemed a loser and eliminated from the competition.

Senegal were also found to have violated Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, if a team refuses to play or leaves the pitch before the regular end of the match without authorization, they forfeit the match.

One can't help but wonder what if Pape Thiaw's side had stayed on the pitch rather than bring the game into disrepute? And all over a penalty that was ultimately easily saved following a failed Brahim Diaz 'paneka' attempt.

What happens now?

The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed its intention to contest the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which usually takes a year to reach a definitive verdict.

This means the two nations are likely to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the final decision having been made.

Will this drama affect their respective performances at the global showpiece? - Only time will tell.

Was it fair?

Well, for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, it's a yes! - following a successful appeal which overturned the 1-0 loss in front of their home supporters into an emphatic 3-0 victory.

The RMFF had stated it would pursue legal action, alleging that the 17-minute walk-off by the Senegalese affected their players performance and normal structure of a football match.

Many feel that the matter was determined on the pitch, but Senegal's actions are seemingly glaringly in breach of tournament rules and is starting to appear like a bad lack of judgement from the Senegalese coach and players.

The most disappointing thing about this situation, is that it lessens the credibility of the tournament, which will probably see more club's reluctance in releasing players timeously for the AFCON.

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad