by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine following incidents during the AFCON 2025 final.
The punishment relates to events during the final against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Senegal players left the pitch for about 17 minutes in protest after a penalty was awarded to the host nation. Thiaw was found to have instructed his players to walk off the field, citing dissatisfaction with decisions made by referee Jean Jacques Ndala.
Senegal later returned to complete the match and went on to win the title after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal after Brahim Díaz missed the penalty that sparked the protest.
Following a review of reports from match officials, CAF ruled that Thiaw’s actions violated its Disciplinary Code, particularly principles related to fair play, integrity, and protecting the image of the game.
CAF confirmed the sanction in an official statement, announcing both the suspension and financial penalty for the Senegal coach.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi a two-match suspension following his conduct during the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.
The incident took place during the tense final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Hakimi was seen taking a towel belonging to Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and throwing it into the stands.
Reports also indicated that Hakimi later worked alongside teammate Ismail Saibari in an attempt to delay the towel from being returned to the Senegal shot-stopper.
After reviewing the incident, CAF imposed disciplinary sanctions on the Moroccan full-back. However, one of the two matches has been suspended for one year, meaning Hakimi will serve one immediate match ban unless he commits another offence within the suspension period.
CAF confirmed the decision in an official statement, noting that the punishment was issued for unsporting behaviour during the final.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Morocco midfielder Ismail Saibari has been suspended for three matches and fined $100,000 following his conduct during the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.
The 25-year-old was sanctioned after being found guilty of unsporting behaviour linked to an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy during the tense final clash.
According to reports reviewed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Saibari, alongside teammate Achraf Hakimi, was involved in attempting to delay the return of Mendy’s towel during the match.
CAF confirmed the punishment in an official statement, announcing a three-match suspension across official CAF competitions alongside the financial penalty.
Saibari, who currently plays club football for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, is expected to appeal the decision in the coming days.
The episode was one of several controversial moments during the AFCON final, which Senegal ultimately won after extra time to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo is in line to make his UEFA Champions League knockout-stage debut after the English giants secured automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
City confirmed their place in the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray, finishing eighth in the league phase to avoid the play-off round under the competition’s new format.
Since completing his big-money move from Bournemouth to Manchester City in January, Semenyo has quickly settled into life at the Etihad. The Ghana international joined in a deal reported to be around £65 million, signing a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.
Because he was not registered in City’s original Champions League squad list, Semenyo was unavailable during the league-phase matches. However, with squads allowed to be updated for the knockout rounds, the forward is now expected to be eligible for selection.
The 26-year-old has already impressed domestically, making an immediate impact with strong performances, goals and assists early in his City career, earning praise from manager Pep Guardiola for his work rate and attacking energy.
With Manchester City targeting both domestic trophies and European success, Semenyo is tipped to play an important role as the knockout phase approaches, giving Guardiola another powerful option in attack.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 29, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer, USA
Ghanaian midfielder Seth Antwi has completed a move to American club Birmingham Legion, who compete in the USL Championship.
The 26-year-old joins the club from MLS side St. Louis, where he mainly featured for their MLS Pro team, earning recognition as one of the top central midfielders at that level.
Antwi built his career in the United States through the collegiate system, where he stood out during his time at High Point University, before transitioning into the professional ranks.
Birmingham Legion head coach Jay Heaps praised the signing, highlighting Antwi’s defensive strength, work rate, and ability to contribute to possession play. He also described the Ghanaian as a team-oriented player who brings intensity and balance to the midfield.
Antwi has already linked up with his new teammates as preparations continue for the 2026 season. He is expected to make his first appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against Nashville SC scheduled for January 31.
