Pape Thiaw explains why Senegal walked off the pitch during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final

In response to the many interpretations surrounding the Teranga Lions’ brief walk-off, the Senegalese manager was keen to clarify the reasons behind the decision.

Pape Thiaw reflected on the incidents that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final on 18 January 2026 in Rabat. According to the Senegal coach, the situation in the stands had created an atmosphere that made it difficult to continue the match calmly.

For him, this decision was not directed against the refereeing team or the decisions made during the match.

During the Africa Cup of Nations final, we partially left the pitch because it was impossible to finish the match under proper conditions. The atmosphere in the stands was disrupted by incidents involving some Moroccan and Senegalese supporters. We did not leave the pitch to protest against the referee or his decisions.