‘We Shouldn’t Have Done It’, Senegal Coach Thiaw Apologises Over Walkout From AFCON Final

Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has apologised for ordering his players to walk off the pitch during the 2025 AFCON final against Morocco on Sunday night, describing the action as a mistake made in the heat of the moment.

The incident occurred after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a foul on Brahim Diaz, who was pulled down in the box by Malick Diouf. Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field in protest before later directing them to return.

Speaking after the match which Senegal eventually won, Thiaw said: “I don’t want to go over the incidents. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it, I made them come back on the pitch.”

He added: “You can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee. We should not have done it, but it is done, and we present our apologies to football.”

Despite the controversy, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory, with Pape Gueye’s goal sealing the country’s 2025 AFCON title.