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Senegal Coach Explains Walk-Off Ahead of Probable Sanction
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the walkoff was an emotional reaction to perceived bias and injustice after a late goal was disallowed and a penalty awarded to Morocco.
- On Jan. 18, 2026, Senegal left the field in stoppage time after Morocco was awarded a penalty, following a disallowed Senegal goal in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
- Facing criticism, Thiaw said the choice was emotional and aimed to protect players, posting on Instagram on Thursday that `It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game I love so much`.
- Play was halted for about 15 minutes while altercations continued on the pitch involving stewards, supporters, and rival players, but Sadio Mané persuaded Senegal players to return so Brahim Díaz could take the saved penalty.
- The Moroccan Football Federation announced it would pursue legal action with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, citing the walkoff's impact on the match and player performance.
- Concluding his statement, Pape Thiaw, Senegal coach, apologised, saying `I apologize if I have offended anyone, but football lovers will understand that emotion is an integral part of this sport` and reflected the Africa Cup of Nations had magnificent organisation but ended dramatically.
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“I tried to protect my players from injustice” — Pape Thiaw breaks silence on AFCON final walk-off
The final will be remembered not only for silverware, but for a defining debate about officiating, emotion, and where protest ends, and passion begins in African football’s biggest moments The post “I tried to protect my players from injustice” — Pape Thiaw breaks silence on AFCON final walk-off appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
·Abuja, Nigeria
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Africa: Morocco to File Legal Complaint Over Cup of Nations Final Fiasco
Morocco will pursue legal action over the outcome of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final, where opponents Senegal walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded against them but later returned to win the match.
·South Africa
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Left
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
53% Left
L 53%
C 37%
Factuality
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