Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw has spoken publicly for the first time following the dramatic scenes in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, where Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest during the match.
The incident occurred after a series of contentious refereeing decisions went against Senegal, including a disputed call that the players and coaching staff felt unfairly changed the course of the final. Emotions boiled over as Pape Thiaw told his players to leave the put , forcing the team most senior player Sadio Mane to intervene and persuade them to resume play. The moment sparked widespread debate across African football, with opinions divided over whether the reaction was justified.
Addressing the episode, the Senegal coach explained that his actions were driven by a desire to shield his players in a tense and emotionally charged situation.
“I just tried to protect my players in the face of injustice. It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game,” he said.
He also offered an apology to those who may have been offended by the incident, while emphasizing the emotional weight of a continental final.
“I apologize if I may have offended certain people… but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.”
CAF is understood to be reviewing the events and considering sanctioning Pape Thiaw..