Senegal’s Head Coach Pape Thiaw said on Wednesday his decision to instruct his players to leave the pitch during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco in Rabat stemmed from an emotional response to what he perceived as unfair officiating, rather than an intention to break football rules.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Thiaw acknowledged that the walkout could be viewed as a violation of the laws of the game but said it reflected frustration and a desire to protect his players in a highly charged moment.
“What some will see as a violation of the rules was nothing more than an emotional reaction to the partiality of the situation,” he wrote, referring to the last-minute penalty decision that disrupted the final.
Thiaw said the team later consulted and agreed to return to the pitch and continue the match, insisting that he never intended to undermine the principles of a sport he said he deeply respects.
The coach described the tournament organization as exceptional while calling the final’s conclusion dramatic and apologized to anyone who felt hurt by his actions.
He also thanked Senegalese authorities, the football federation, supporters, and his players for their support throughout the tournament.
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