By Charles Maduka
Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has apologised for ordering his players to briefly walk off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, which Senegal won 1-0.
The incident happened after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco following a foul on Brahim Diaz by Malick Diouf inside the box. In protest, Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch, causing a brief stoppage in play before they later returned.
Speaking after the match, Thiaw admitted that his reaction was driven by emotions. He said he regretted the decision and accepted the referee’s call, adding that the action should not have happened despite the tension of the moment.
The Senegal coach stressed the need for professionalism and accountability, urging players and supporters to move past the incident and focus on the game itself rather than the controversy.
Reacting to the drama, Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticised Thiaw’s actions, describing them as shameful. Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football also condemned the conduct of some players and officials during the heated final played in Rabat.
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