Morocco Coach Walid Regragui launched a strong verbal attack on Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw after a dramatic walk-off protest overshadowed the Africa Cup of Nations final. The incident occurred late in the match following a controversial penalty decision that sparked anger on the Senegal bench.
Morocco Coach Reacts to Penalty Controversy
Tensions boiled over when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time. Feeling wronged by the decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest. The Morocco Coach later described the move as damaging to the image of African football, insisting such actions should never take place on such a major stage.
After a delay of around 15 minutes, Senegal captain Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to return to the field. Once play resumed, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved a Panenka-style penalty from Brahim Díaz, keeping Senegal alive in the contest. Despite the save, the Morocco Coach remained vocal about the earlier protest.
Morocco Speaks on ‘Shameful’ Image of African Football
Addressing the media, Walid Regragui did not hold back.
“The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful,” the Morocco Coach said.
“A coach who asks his players to leave the pitch does not honour African football. It wasn’t classy.”
Senegal eventually settled and secured their second AFCON title in extra time thanks to a decisive goal from Pape Gueye. While Senegal celebrated, the Morocco Coach noted that the final would be remembered as much for controversy as for football.
Morocco Coach Responds as Thiaw Issues Apology
Senegal are now expected to face possible disciplinary action. Pape Thiaw, who was jeered upon arriving at his press conference, later admitted the protest was a mistake.
“I apologise to football,” Thiaw said. “In the heat of the moment, emotions took over. We shouldn’t have done it.”
Despite the apology, the Morocco Coach maintained that the walk-off protest cast a shadow over the final, turning what should have been a celebration of African football into a moment of division and debate.
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