Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has apologised following a controversial incident during his side’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final on Sunday. Thiaw briefly instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who was adjudged to have been pulled by Malick Diouf inside the box, an action that sparked widespread reactions during the tense encounter.
Speaking after the match, according to Sky Sports on Monday, 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. 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.” He acknowledged the emotional intensity of the moment while stressing the need for professionalism and accountability, as the Confederation of African Football later condemned the conduct of some players and officials during the final.