Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has defended his team’s walk-off at the Africa Cup of Nations final, saying it was an emotional decision made in the chaos of the moment.
Last Sunday, Senegal left the field in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty, moments after a potential trophy-winning Senegal goal had been ruled out.
“It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much,” Thiaw wrote on Instagram on Thursday. «I have simply tried to protect my players from injustice. What some may perceive as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional response to the bias of the situation. After consultation, we have decided to resume the match and go for the trophy.»
READ | CAF condemns ‘unacceptable behaviour’ during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal
Sadio Mané convinced the Senegalese players back so that Brahim Díaz could take Morocco’s penalty. Díaz’s effort was saved in the last action of normal time, after which Pape Guaye scored in extra time to give Senegal a 1-0 win.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino denounced Senegal’s departure the next day and the Moroccan Football Federation said it was taking legal action with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football because it «significantly affected the normal conduct of the match and the players’ performance.»
The decision to award the penalty led to fights around the pitch with rival players on the touchline, while stewards fought with Senegalese behind one of the goals. Some fans managed to enter the field where fighting continued, and some were dragged away.
The walkoff in Senegal eventually led to a 15-minute stoppage in play, but fighting was still ongoing when Brahim took his failed sports kick.
“We experienced an exceptional tournament with a great organization, which unfortunately ended dramatically,” said Thiaw.
The Senegalese Football Federation denounced the Moroccan hosts’ lack of ‘fair play’ before the final, adding to the Teranga Lions’ sense of injustice when their late goal was disallowed and the penalty was awarded to them.
«I apologize if I offended anyone,» Thiaw said of his team’s walk-off, «but football fans will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport.»
Published on January 22, 2026
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