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Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has issued an apology for ordering his players off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations final against host nation Morocco.
The incident occurred on Sunday after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty when Brahim Diaz was brought down in the box by Malick Diouf. In protest, Thiaw instructed his team to briefly leave the field before later reversing the decision.
Speaking after the match, the Senegal coach said emotions had run high and admitted the action should not have happened.
He explained that, upon reflection, he asked his players to return to the pitch and accepted the referee’s decision, adding that the moment was a reaction taken in the heat of the game.
“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.”
Thiaw emphasised the need for professionalism, accountability and moving forward, noting that both players and officials must learn from the episode.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui strongly criticised the incident, describing Thiaw’s conduct as unacceptable, despite his side going on to secure the AFCON 2025 title in a tense finale.
The Confederation of African Football(CAF) later condemned the behaviour of some players and officials during the final, reiterating its commitment to upholding discipline and sportsmanship at the tournament.
