Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has defended his team’s decision to walk off during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, saying it was an emotional reaction taken amid confusion late in the match.
The incident occurred in stoppage time when Senegal players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty, shortly after a potential Senegal goal was disallowed. Thiaw later wrote on Instagram that he acted to protect his players from what he described as injustice, adding that the team eventually agreed to resume play.
Senegal returned to the field after forward Sadio Mane intervened, with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missing the penalty before Senegal went on to win the match one-nil in extra time through a goal by Pape Guaye.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticised the walk-off, while the Moroccan Football Federation said it was pursuing action with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, as Senegal now face a possible investigation following the disruption, which led to crowd trouble and a prolonged stoppage in play.
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