Are 20 players really facing suspension ahead of AFCON 2025 final?

As the AFCON 2025 semi-finals kick off on Wednesday, January 14, speculation has been rife about which stars could miss the final due to yellow card suspensions. Earlier reports suggested 20 players from Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt were on the brink of missing the showpiece match if their teams advanced.

However, a close review of CAF disciplinary regulations shows this figure is misleading.

What is The CAF Yellow Card Rule?

Yellow cards accumulated during the group stage are wiped clean after the group stage.

Players start the knockout stage with a clean slate.

A player is suspended only after accumulating two yellow cards in the knockout rounds (Round of 16 and Quarter-finals).

This means that any yellow card picked up during the group stage does not count toward a suspension in the semi-finals or final. Only players who received two cautions after the group stage risk missing the next match.

What Are The Implications for the Semi-finals and Final

Nigeria: Only Wilfred Ndidi is confirmed at risk for the semi-final due to accumulating two yellow cards in knockout matches. Other previously reported Nigerian players, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka, received cautions in earlier rounds or the group stage, so they are not at risk.

Morocco, Senegal, Egypt: There are currently no verified CAF announcements confirming that any players from these teams have picked up two yellow cards in the knockout rounds. Therefore, the previously circulated “20-player list” is inaccurate.

Confirmed Suspension Risk Ahead of Semi-finals

The Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Wilfred Ndidi, who has been suspended for the semi-final due to two yellow cards in knockout matches.

All other players from Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt are eligible to play in the semi-finals and, if their teams advance, the final, unless they pick up a second yellow in the semi-final.

Bottom line: The “20-player suspension risk” widely reported across social media and some media outlets is factually incorrect.