Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has issued an apology after ordering his players off the pitch during the heated closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final
Thiaw acknowledged that the incident is regrettable and a stain on a landmark moment for the Teranga Lions.
Senegal secured their second AFCON title—adding to their 2021 triumph—after overcoming hosts Morocco in a dramatic final in Rabat that was marred by late controversy.
The match appeared set to finish goalless in regulation time before referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute following a VAR review of El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Brahim Diaz.
The decision came shortly after a Senegal goal had been ruled out, sparking furious protests from the Senegal bench.
Angered by the sequence of calls, Thiaw led several of his players off the pitch in protest, creating chaotic scenes inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Veteran forward Sadio Mane, however, remained on the field and played a key role in convincing his team-mates to return and complete the match.
After a delay of approximately 17 minutes, play resumed, with Morocco’s Diaz—who finished the tournament as top scorer with five goals—stepping up to take the penalty. His attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, bringing regulation time to an end.
Senegal made the decisive breakthrough early in extra time as Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye struck in the fourth minute, sealing a second continental crown in five years.
Thiaw’s scheduled post-match press conference was cancelled following disturbances in the media area, but speaking later to beIN Sports, the 44-year-old accepted responsibility for his actions.
“We didn’t agree with the decisions, but I don’t want to go back over everything,” Thiaw said. “I apologise to football. In the heat of the moment, you can react badly.
“After reflecting, I asked the players to return to the pitch. We accept the referee’s decisions, even if we felt there were mistakes. We shouldn’t have done it, and for that we apologise.”
The Senegal coach had been particularly angered by the disallowed goal from Ismaila Sarr, ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.
The subsequent penalty decision further inflamed tensions, with some supporters throwing objects and attempting to breach the pitch.
Morocco were left heartbroken as they missed out on a first AFCON title since 1976.
After the final whistle, Mane underlined the importance of protecting football’s image on the global stage.
“The world was watching, and football deserves respect,” Mane said.
“Stopping a match because of a penalty decision would have been crazy. I’d rather lose than see our game damaged like that.
“It was bad that the game stopped for so long, but the important thing is that we came back and finished it.”
Goalkeeper Mendy, now with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, praised the unity shown by the team.
“We came back together and we won together,” he said. “That’s what matters most.”
Match-winner Gueye also highlighted Mane’s influence during the tense moments.
“We felt injustice,” Gueye said. “Sadio told us to return, we stayed focused, Edouard made the save, and then we scored. That mentality won us the title.”
Despite the turmoil, Senegal once again emerged as champions of Africa, though the dramatic scenes in
Rabat ensured the final will be remembered for its controversy as much as its football.
