Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has defended his team’s dramatic walk-off during the Africa Cup of Nations final, describing it as an emotional reaction in the heat of the moment.
In stoppage time last Sunday, Senegal players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty, just minutes after a potential winning goal for the Teranga Lions was disallowed.
“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much,” Thiaw wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “I simply tried to protect my players from injustice. What some may perceive as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation. After deliberation, we decided to resume the match and go for the trophy.”
Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return so Morocco’s Brahim Díaz could take the penalty. His effort was saved in the final action of normal time, before Pape Guaye struck in extra time to seal a 1-0 victory for Senegal.
The incident drew sharp criticism from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while the Moroccan Football Federation announced plans to pursue legal action with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, arguing the walk-off “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance.”
The penalty decision sparked chaos around the pitch, with rival players clashing on the sidelines, stewards struggling with Senegalese supporters behind the goal, and fans invading the field. The disruption caused a 15-minute delay before Díaz’s penalty was eventually taken.
“We experienced an exceptional tournament with magnificent organisation, which ended unfortunately in a dramatic fashion,” Thiaw said.
The Senegalese Football Federation also accused the Moroccan hosts of lacking “fair play” before the final, adding to the team’s frustration over the disallowed goal and the late penalty.
“I apologise if I have offended anyone,” Thiaw added, “but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.”
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