Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has issued an apology following a contentious episode in his team’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco on Sunday.
Thiaw temporarily instructed his players to leave the field in protest after a penalty was given to Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who was held by Malick Diouf in the box.
As reported by Sky Sports on Monday, Thiaw commented after the match: “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.”
The Senegal coach recognized the emotional intensity of the situation and emphasized the need for professionalism and accountability, urging both players and fans to concentrate on moving forward.
Following the incident, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui described his Senegal counterpart, Pape Thiaw, as ‘shameful,’ after Morocco secured a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Online reports have it that the Confederation of African Football condemned the conduct of certain players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Senegal and the hosts in Rabat on Sunday night.