FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o has publicly defended Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, revealing he once contemplated making a similar call during Cameroon’s clash with Morocco.
Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic and controversial final in Rabat, marked by tense scenes that briefly threatened to derail the match.
The flashpoint came when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after Brahim Díaz was fouled inside the box. In protest, the Teranga Lions momentarily walked off the pitch, with Thiaw seen urging his players to abandon the game. Captain Sadio Mané eventually intervened, convincing his teammates to return and see out the contest.
After an 18-minute stoppage, play resumed and Senegal went on to secure victory, sealed by a superb strike from Pape Gueye.
Despite lifting the trophy, Thiaw was later handed a suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his role in the incident.
Eto’o, however, believes the Senegalese coach should not be vilified.
“I don’t think I would accuse the Senegal coach. On the contrary, Pape showed courage in standing up for his team. Sometimes you have to take such risks. In the end, Senegal won, and that is what I want to remember,” he told France24.
The former Cameroon captain also disclosed that he faced a comparable dilemma during Cameroon’s quarter-final meeting with Morocco, amid concerns over contentious refereeing decisions.
“I was suspended for four matches because I refused to take such a decision, because emotions cannot be controlled.
“At one moment during our match between Cameroon and Morocco, there were many emotions, and someone suggested that I withdraw the team.
“In a moment of recklessness, I could have taken that decision, but I didn’t,” he added.
Eto’o’s comments add another layer to the debate surrounding officiating and touchline conduct at the tournament, even as Senegal’s triumph continues to dominate headlines.
