AFCON: I protected my players from injustice—Thiaw

Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw has once again commented on his decision to briefly order the Teranga Lions off the pitch during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.

Writing on his official Facebook page, the 44-year-old insisted that he was simply ‘protecting his players from injustice.’

“My heart, my soul, my spirit is anchored in this beautiful country that gave me everything and for it I would do the impossible,” he said.

“We had an outstanding tournament with a great organization, which unfortunately came to a dramatic end. It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much.

“I was just trying to protect my players from injustice. What some will perceive as a rule violation is nothing but an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation. After consultation, we decided to restart the match and go win this trophy for you.”

 

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Thiaw apologized for the drama that characterized the final, praying that fans should understand that football is a game of emotions.

“I apologize if I may have offended some people, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of the sport,” he added.

Senegal stunned Morocco 1-0 in extra time from an ill-tempered final that saw the Atlas Lions miss a penalty through Brahim Diaz. Left back El Hadji Malick Diouf had pushed down the Real Madrid star in the box with a few minutes to full time.

Before Diaz took the penalty, which goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved, Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his troops off the turf in protest over the referee’s decision to, after VAR review, award the hosts the penalty.

Sadio Mane intervened to recall his team-mates from the dressing room some 10 minutes later. Eventually, Pape Gueye scored the ultimate clincher.

Walid Regragui’s take on Thiaw

Some quarters have condemned Senegal for walking off the pitch, saying it was a display of a lack of sportsmanship. Morocco coach Walid Regragui particularly slammed Thiaw for a lack of class in sanctioning the brief boycott.

“We congratulate Senegal and their players. Even though it’s very disappointing, the image that African football showed today, with everything that happened at the final whistle, is regrettable,” Regragui told reporters.

“The atmosphere has been unhealthy since the start of the competition. It’s a shame. Nevertheless, we congratulate Senegal, well done to them. On our part, we will continue to work hard. Morocco will come back stronger.”

Thiaw risks a ban from managing the national team and there are fears that such a sanction could affect his prospects of leading the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.