AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal bows, apologises over pitch walkout

Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, has apologised after ordering his players to walk off the pitch during the tense AFCON 2025 final against host nation Morocco on Sunday.

The shocking incident occurred after Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz was awarded a penalty following a foul by Senegal defender Malick Diouf, a decision that angered the Senegalese bench.

In protest, Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the match, triggering confusion and outrage inside the stadium before they later returned to complete the game.

Speaking after Senegal’s controversial 1-0 victory, Thiaw admitted his reaction was wrong.

“I apologise to football. You can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the referee’s decision. It should not have happened,” he said.

The incident has continued to spark reactions across the football world, with CAF condemning the conduct and promising an investigation.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Thiaw’s action as “shameful,” while FIFA President also criticised the disruption that marred the final in Rabat.

CAF has since warned that disciplinary measures may follow as the football body moves to protect the integrity of the competition.