Senegal coach facing suspension as FIFA boss slams 'unacceptable' AFCON scenes
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Senegal Coach Faces Suspension After Dramatic AFCON Final Protest
Senegal's head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw is at the center of controversy following chaotic scenes in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco. Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded against them, but Senegal ultimately triumphed 1-0 after extra time to claim the trophy.[1]
The incident unfolded in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Morocco's Brahim Diaz was tugged to the ground by Senegal full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf during a corner kick defense. Furious at the decision, Thiaw led his team off the field, with some players heading down the tunnel to the changing room. It took 14 minutes for them to return, allowing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to save Diaz's poorly executed Panenka-style chipped penalty.[1]
Post-match drama continued at the press conference, where Thiaw was met with jeers from Moroccan journalists and applause from Senegalese ones. Unable to proceed amid the rowdy atmosphere, he walked out without addressing the media. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to impose heavy sanctions on Senegal for the farcical events.[1]
Reflecting on his actions, Thiaw issued an apology via BeIN Sports. "After reflecting, I really did not like the fact that I told my players to leave the pitch. I apologise to football. I brought them back," he said. He acknowledged reacting in the heat of the moment, questioning if the penalty would have stood had Senegal's prior goal been allowed, but accepted the referee's errors. "We should not have done it, but it is already done. We apologise," Thiaw added, emphasizing that such scenes harm African football.[1]
The victory marks a triumphant end for Senegal despite the controversy, but Thiaw's protest has drawn widespread criticism and potential FIFA or CAF repercussions.[1]