RismadarVoice Reporters
January 19, 2026
Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has apologized-following a controversial incident during his team’s 1-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final played on Sunday.
Thiaw briefly ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, following a foul by Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz inside the box.
Speaking after the match, Thiaw admitted the decision was taken in the heat of the moment, acknowledged it was wrong.
The Senegal coach said he regretted the action and apologized to the football community.
“I don’t want to go over the incidents. I apologize. 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,” Thiaw said.
He acknowledged the emotional intensity surrounding the incident, stressed the need for professionalism and accountability, urging players and supporters to move forward.
Reacting to the incident, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui criticized Thiaw’s actions, describing them as “shameful,” despite Senegal going on to secure the AFCON title in dramatic circumstances.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemned the conduct of some players and officials during the final, describing the scenes as unacceptable.
The incident has continued to generate debate over officiating decisions and sportsmanship at major tournaments, with CAF expected to review the matter.
