The conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is not yet fully behind Achraf Hakimi and Ismaël Saibari. Sanctioned by CAF following the events during the match against Senegal, the two Moroccan footballers will miss Friday's match against Gabon in the first round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Hakimi received a two-match suspension, one of which is suspended, while Saibari was handed a three-match ban and a fine of $100,000. These measures were taken due to their conduct during the final held in Rabat.
The two internationals were particularly involved in an incident concerning the towel of Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Hakimi grabbed it and threw it behind the advertising boards, while Saibari prevented Yehvann Diouf from returning it to his teammate.
Morocco will therefore have to start its qualification campaign without two key players, a direct consequence of the incidents from the 2025 AFCON final.
