AFCON 2025: Pape Thiaw breaks his silence and acknowledges the emotion of the final
Very criticized after his outburst during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Pape Thiaw has finally broken his silence. On social media, the Senegal coach justified his behavior during the clash against Morocco (1-0) and apologized to the football world.
Highly anticipated after the tense scenes that marked the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Pape Thiaw has spoken. The Senegal coach spoke at length in a message posted on his Instagram account. At the heart of his statement, the former Senegal international claimed above all a visceral attachment to his country. “My heart, my soul, and my mind are anchored in this beautiful country that has given me everything,” he wrote, affirming that he would do “the impossible” for Senegal.
Looking back on the controversial episode, Pape Thiaw refuted any intention of transgressing the rules. According to him, his reaction was mainly dictated by emotion and by the concern to protect his players in the face of what he regards as an injustice. “What some will take as a violation of the rules is nothing but an emotional reaction,” he explained, before recalling that, after consultation, his team returned to the field to go after the trophy.
Aware of the impact of his actions, the coach nonetheless offered his apologies to those who might have been hurt, emphasizing that emotion is an integral part of football. He also takes the opportunity to thank the Senegalese authorities, the Federation, the supporters, as well as his family and his group of players, described as “28 warriors”. A message of unity to close a sensitive episode and celebrate a historic title.
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