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Senegal Coach Breaks His Silence: Why Did He Order Players to Leave the Pitch in the Africa Cup of Nations Final?
Pape Thiaw explained why he ordered Senegal to leave the pitch during the AFCON final. Emotion, a sense of injustice, and a decision that defined a historic night on the road to continental glory.
A historic final marked by tension and controversy
The Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco will be remembered not only for the title won by the Lions of Teranga, but also for one of the most shocking scenes in the tournament’s history. After the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco for a controversial foul by Diouf on Brahim Díaz, head coach Pape Thiaw made an extreme decision: he ordered his players to leave the pitch.
The image of the Senegal squad walking off toward the dressing room froze the stadium and sparked debate across the African continent. The match was suspended for several minutes, and the outcome seemed destined to end in unprecedented disciplinary consequences. However, the story was far from over.
Pape Thiaw’s explanation: emotion over rebellion
Days after the match, Pape Thiaw broke his silence and publicly explained the reasons behind his decision through social media. Far from challenging the rules, the coach was clear: “It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much.”
According to the Senegal manager, his reaction was purely emotional, born from a deep sense of injustice at a decisive moment in the match. “I only tried to protect my players from injustice. What some may consider a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the perceived bias of the situation,” Thiaw explained, emphasizing how pressure and context shaped his response.
The coach also admitted that after discussions with his staff and key leaders in the locker room, the decision was made to return to the field and fight until the very end.
The return to the pitch, Mané’s role, and a title forged in adversity
The influence of Sadio Mané proved crucial in Senegal’s return to the pitch. The captain urged his teammates to resume the match and turn frustration into motivation. Morocco stepped up to take the penalty, with Brahim Díaz attempting a Panenka-style finish, but goalkeeper Édouard Mendy produced a sensational save.
That moment completely shifted the final’s destiny. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that sealed Senegal’s victory and sparked scenes of pure euphoria. From the brink of sanctions and a historic walkout, Senegal went on to write one of the most epic chapters in its footballing history.
Apologies, pride, and a message to an entire nation
With the trophy secured, Pape Thiaw also offered words of apology. “I apologize if I may have offended anyone, but football lovers understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport,” he said, appealing to the game’s passionate essence.
The head coach went on to thank national institutions, the federation, and above all the fans, before closing with an emotional message to his squad: “My boys, these 28 warriors who gave sweat, blood, and soul for their nation.” For Thiaw, beyond the title itself, the true victory was the unity and character of a team that rose when it mattered most.
