Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has issued an apology after ordering his gamers off the pitch in the course of the heated closing phases of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations remaining
Thiaw acknowledged that the incident is regrettable and a stain on a landmark second for the Teranga Lions.
Senegal secured their second AFCON title—including to their 2021 triumph—after overcoming hosts Morocco in a dramatic remaining in Rabat that was marred by late controversy.
The match appeared set to complete goalless in regulation time earlier than referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty within the 98th minute following a VAR evaluate of El Hadji Malick Diouf’s problem on Brahim Diaz.
The choice got here shortly after a Senegal objective had been dominated out, sparking livid protests from the Senegal bench.
Angered by the sequence of calls, Thiaw led a number of of his gamers off the pitch in protest, creating chaotic scenes contained in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Veteran ahead Sadio Mane, nevertheless, remained on the sphere and performed a key position in convincing his team-mates to return and full the match.
After a delay of roughly 17 minutes, play resumed, with Morocco’s Diaz—who completed the match as prime scorer with 5 objectives—stepping as much as take the penalty. His tried Panenka was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, bringing regulation time to an finish.
Senegal made the decisive breakthrough early in further time as Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck within the fourth minute, sealing a second continental crown in 5 years.
Thiaw’s scheduled post-match press convention was cancelled following disturbances within the media space, however talking later to beIN Sports activities, the 44-year-old accepted duty for his actions.
“We didn’t agree with the choices, however I don’t wish to return over all the pieces,” Thiaw mentioned. “I apologise to soccer. Within the warmth of the second, you possibly can react badly.
“After reflecting, I requested the gamers to return to the pitch. We settle for the referee’s selections, even when we felt there have been errors. We shouldn’t have carried out it, and for that we apologise.”
The Senegal coach had been significantly angered by the disallowed objective from Ismaila Sarr, dominated out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi within the build-up.
The following penalty determination additional infected tensions, with some supporters throwing objects and trying to breach the pitch.
Morocco have been left heartbroken as they missed out on a primary AFCON title since 1976.
After the ultimate whistle, Mane underlined the significance of defending soccer’s picture on the worldwide stage.
“The world was watching, and soccer deserves respect,” Mane mentioned.
“Stopping a match due to a penalty determination would have been loopy. I’d quite lose than see our recreation broken like that.
“It was dangerous that the sport stopped for thus lengthy, however the essential factor is that we got here again and completed it.”
Goalkeeper Mendy, now with Saudi Professional League facet Al-Ahli, praised the unity proven by the workforce.
“We got here again collectively and we received collectively,” he mentioned. “That’s what issues most.”
