Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has released an emotional statement expressing deep regret over the controversial scenes that overshadowed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Teranga Lions edged Morocco 1–0 to lift their second AFCON title, but the showpiece encounter was marred by a tense standoff following a series of contentious refereeing decisions late in the game.
Moments after a Senegal goal was disallowed, Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting furious protests from the Senegal bench.
In the heat of the moment, Thiaw instructed his players to step off the pitch in protest, bringing the final to the brink of abandonment.
Veteran winger Sadio Mané played a crucial role in defusing the situation, persuading his teammates to return and see out the match.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, which was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, before Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in extra time.
Thiaw’s actions have placed him at risk of disciplinary sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). However, the Senegal coach has insisted that his reaction was driven by emotion rather than any intention to undermine the laws of the game.
“We had an outstanding tournament with a great organisation, which unfortunately came to a dramatic end,” Thiaw wrote on Instagram.
“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much. I was just trying to protect my players from injustice.
“What some will perceive as a rule violation is nothing but an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation. After consultation, we decided to restart the match and go win this trophy for you. I apologise if I may have offended some people.”
Despite the controversy, Senegal’s triumph stands, though the fallout from the dramatic final is expected to continue in the coming days.
