Senegal’s head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has publicly defended his team’s dramatic decision to briefly walk off the pitch in the closing stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco — a move now under scrutiny and likely to draw disciplinary action.
In a statement on Instagram this week, Thiaw described the walk-off as an emotional reaction to what he and his players perceived as an unfair refereeing decision. With Senegal leading into stoppage time, a goal that would have effectively sealed the title was ruled out, and a late penalty was awarded to Morocco — prompting the Senegalese squad to exit the field in protest. Although the players later returned to continue the match, the incident sparked debate across African football.
Thiaw insisted his actions were motivated by a desire to “protect his players from injustice” and that it was never his intention to undermine the principles of the game. He also offered an apology to anyone offended by the decision, stressing that emotion is part of football.
After play resumed, Senegal went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, securing their second AFCON title in three tournaments. However, the walk-off has overshadowed the victory, with football authorities reviewing the episode and potential sanctions expected from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The decision has drawn mixed reactions across the football community, raising broader questions about officiating standards and the emotional pressures inherent in one of Africa’s biggest sporting stages.
