AFCON Final: Senegal coach apologises for pitch walkout

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has apologised for ordering his players off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco, describing the decision as a mistake made in the heat of the moment.

The incident occurred during Senegal’s 1–0 victory on Sunday after a penalty was awarded to Morocco when Brahim Diaz was pulled in the box by Malick Diouf.

Thiaw briefly instructed his players to leave the field in protest before later directing them to return.

Speaking after the match, Thiaw said: “I don’t want to go over the incidents. I apologise for the football.

“After reflecting on it, I made them come back on the pitch.

“You can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it, but it is done, and we present our apologies to football.”

He acknowledged the emotional intensity of the final and urged both players and supporters to prioritise professionalism and accountability as the team moves forward.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui reacted sharply to the episode, describing Thiaw’s actions as “shameful,” despite the hosts falling short in the dramatic final.

• One confirmed dead as police Inspector shoots two colleagues in Rivers
• Abuse of Court Process: Parallex Bank urges court to dismiss FHT Mega Express’ N7.15bn suit
• Court award N100m against Nigeria Army over illegal acquisition of land in Ibadan
• How policemen extorted N150k after detaining me, wife, children  —  TheCable journalist
• Again, indigenous contractors block finance ministry, protest unpaid N4t debt

In a separate statement reported by The Eagle Online, the Confederation of African Football condemned the behaviour of some players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final in Rabat.

CAF said it is “reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The African governing body is expected to impose further disciplinary measures beyond any personal sanctions handed to Thiaw.

Sources indicate that the Senegalese Football Federation could face financial penalties linked to crowd disturbances, while some players may also be sanctioned for their roles in the on-field incidents.

It remains unclear whether any sanctions would extend beyond African competitions to affect Senegal’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Although CAF regulations limit disciplinary enforcement to its own tournaments, officials however acknowledge the situation could still disrupt Senegal’s preparation and planning.

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']