Senegal coach Pape Thiaw breaks silence on his outburst against Morocco

Senegal’s head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has finally spoken publicly about the dramatic moment in the Africa Cup of Nations final when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Pape Bouna Thiaw released an emotional message on his social media, Thiaw said his decision came from a desire to “protect his players from what he saw as an injustice. He comfirmed that it wasn’t meant to contradict the principles of football, but was an emotional response in a chaotic moment.

What did Pape Bouna Thiaw say?

For Senegal! My heart, my soul, my mind are anchored in this beautiful country that gave me everything and for him, I would do the impossible. We experienced an exceptional tournament with a magnificent organisation, which unfortunately ended in a dramatic ending. It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game that I love so much. I just tried to protect my players from injustice. What some will take as a violation of the rules is nothing more than an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation. After consultation, we decided to resume the game and go and win this trophy for you. I apologise if I may have offended some people, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport."

He continued,

"I would like to greet our President of the Republic and the Minister of Sports who put us in the best conditions, our Federation for its unwavering support, and our supporters who raised mountains with us. I could not have done all this without my family: my mother who is no longer of this world, my father, my wife and my children who give me an additional source of motivation. Finally my players, these 28 warriors who gave sweat, blood and soul for their nation. It is a treat to lead you because beyond being legends, you are exceptional people."

He acknowledged that emotion is an integral part of the sport, and apologized if he offended some people. He also thanked supporters and officials in Senegal for their backing and praised his players, calling them committed and giving everything for the nation.

There are also reports that he could get a lengthy suspension from CAF ahead of the AFCON 2027.

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