Coach Pape Thiau ordered Senegalese players off the pitch in stoppage time of Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final, angered by two controversial decisions.
Pape Tiau’s celebrations may be cut short (Image: Abdel Majid BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Senegal coach Pape Thiau could be suspended for the World Cup following chaotic scenes in Sunday’s African Cup of Nations final. Thiau, who ultimately led his country to a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco, came under the spotlight for blatantly ordering his players to leave the pitch in stoppage time.
The furious manager took drastic action after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the 98th minute, shortly after Senegal’s goal was canceled due to a controversial foul, leaving the match scoreless. Most of Thiau’s players agreed and riot police were called in to stop angry Senegalese fans from invading the pitch, leading to a sensational ejection.
After a 17-minute delay, Brahim Díaz missed a penalty, sending the final into extra time. A stunning strike from Pape Gueye sealed the victory for Senegal, clinching their second AFCON title.
However, instead of being allowed to enjoy the celebration, Thiau receives a heavy punishment. The 44-year-old is most likely to receive a touchline suspension, which will be served in North America as Senegal’s next game is this summer’s World Cup.
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read more: Brahim Diaz releases statement on AFCON punishment after claims he missed on purposeread more: Gianni Infantino confirms next steps in Senegal’s punishment statement following AFCON madness
The newly crowned African champions will face France in the opening game in New York. The next match in Group I will be against Norway, followed by one of FIFA’s intercontinental play-off winners – Bolivia, Iraq and Suriname.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who traveled to Morocco for the final, condemned the “unacceptable” events that occurred and condemned “the actions of some Senegalese players and coaching staff.” Infantino added: “The horrific scenes we witnessed must never be repeated. CAF’s competent disciplinary body must take appropriate action.”
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable conduct of some players and officials during the Total Energy CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal held in Rabat last night,” the Confederation of African Football said in a statement.
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Pape Tiaw ‘regrets’ taking players off the pitch (Image: Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during the match, especially towards the refereeing team and match organizers. CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to the competent authorities to take appropriate action against those found guilty.”
As for Thiau, he admitted that he regrets his actions. That was before the former striker stormed out of the post-match press conference after being heckled by a Moroccan journalist. “I don’t want to dwell on what happened in the match. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have told the players to leave,” Thiau confessed.
“We apologize for the sake of football. After further consideration we have reinstated them. We know what is happening behind the scenes. We can react in the moment, but we also have to ask ourselves whether it was a penalty.”
“Now we accept the referee’s mistake. It can happen. We shouldn’t have done it, but it’s over. Now we apologize to the football community.”
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