Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has issued a public apology for his conduct during the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, admitting he acted wrongly after instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest.

The Lions of Teranga eventually went on to lift the AFCON trophy with a narrow victory over the hosts in Rabat, but the final was overshadowed by a heated stoppage-time incident that briefly threatened to derail the showpiece occasion.

Tempers flared late in the second half when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review. The decision sparked furious reactions from the Senegal bench, with Thiaw losing his composure and ordering his players to walk off the field in protest.

The match was paused amid chaotic scenes before Senegal returned to the pitch and play resumed.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS for the first time since the incident, Thiaw accepted full responsibility and apologised to the football world for his actions.

“I completely reject my decision to make the players leave the field,” he said. “I lost control of my emotions at that moment, and this behaviour was unsportsmanlike. I sincerely apologise to the football family.”

The 43-year-old explained that his reaction was fuelled by the intense pressure of the final, compounded by earlier frustrations during the game.

“Sometimes one gets carried away by their feelings at certain moments,” Thiaw said. “Before that incident, one of our goals was disallowed, and then serious doubts arose about the validity of the penalty that was awarded.”

He added that, after calming down, he realised his mistake and took steps to correct it.

“After I reflected, I instructed the players to return to the field. Referees also make mistakes, this is part of the game, and we have to accept it,” he said.

The incident has prompted wider debate about discipline and respect for officials at major tournaments, with both CAF and FIFA previously condemning the scenes in Rabat.

While Senegal’s triumph secured a second continental title, Thiaw’s apology underlines the emotional intensity of the final and the fine line between passion and protest on African football’s biggest stage.