He did not have the opportunity to speak at length, to defend himself and to explain his controversial behavior during the electric final of the African Cup of Nations won (1-0 after) last Sunday by Senegal against Morocco.
After the referee’s decision to award a penalty for the Moroccans, in stoppage time of the match and after a fairly light foul by Diouf on Diaz, Pape Thiaw, the Senegal coach, had in fact encouraged his players to stop the game, to leave the field to return to the locker room. An unsporting gesture which caused numerous controversies and was widely criticized.
A few days after the events – and after the crowds and numerous celebrations in Senegal – Thiaw, who still risks sanction for this revolt, broke his silence.
In a long text published on his social networks this Thursday, a post accompanied by numerous photos, the coach of the Lions of Teranga returned to his attitude which has greatly tarnished the competition and African football.
“I just tried to protect my players from injustice”
“We experienced an exceptional tournament with magnificent organization, which unfortunately ended in a dramatic end,” he wrote. It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game that I love so much. »
The coach asks for forgiveness, as he briefly did at the microphone of BeIN Sports after the final, but above all seems to find extenuating circumstances. “I just tried to protect my players from injustice. What some will take to be a violation of the rules is simply an emotional reaction to the bias of the situation. After consultation, we decided to resume the match and win this trophy for you. »
“I apologize if I may have offended certain people, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport,” he continues.
He ends his text with thanks to the authorities of his country, the Senegalese football authorities, the supporters, his relatives and his “guys”. “These 28 warriors who gave sweat, blood and soul for their nation. It’s a pleasure to lead you because beyond being legends, you are exceptional people. »
“Warriors” who will be the first opponents of the French football team during the 2026 World Cup in a few months.
