Senegal's triumphant head coach, Pape Thiaw, has issued a formal apology to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his controversial actions during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The apology comes after CAF reportedly suspended the coach for instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest during the match.
The Dramatic Final and Walk-Off Protest
The incident occurred during the highly charged final on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Senegal, known as the Teranga Lions, defeated the host nation Morocco 1-0 with a dramatic 94th-minute strike by Pape Gueye in extra time.
The tension reached its peak when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty after a foul by Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz. In response to the decision, Coach Pape Thiaw directed his players to walk off the field. The protest was short-lived, however, as Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz's subsequent Panenka-style penalty was brilliantly saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Thiaw's Apology and Reflection
In his apology, the 44-year-old coach admitted that his emotions overcame him. "I didn't appreciate at all that I told my players to leave the field. I apologize to football," Thiaw stated, according to reports from Sky Sports.
He explained that after consultations and careful thought, the team decided to return and complete the match. "After reflection, I had them come back. Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. But we accept the referee's mistakes," he added. The coach's conduct was witnessed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Fallout and Morocco's Formal Petition
The African football governing body's decision to suspend Pape Thiaw is a direct consequence of the pitch protest. Meanwhile, the Moroccan Football Federation is planning to file a formal petition to CAF regarding the final's events.
Their complaint is expected to focus on the moment when several Senegalese players temporarily left the field of play following the penalty award. This historic victory marked Senegal's second AFCON title in just five years, but the celebration has been tempered by these subsequent controversies.
Fan reactions on social media have been divided. Some praised Thiaw for his accountability, calling it "real leadership." Others criticized the walk-off, arguing it set a dangerous precedent and that the match should have been forfeited.
