Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has apologized to Moroccans after the controversy surrounding his team’s withdrawal from the AFCON final, insisting the decision was not meant as disrespect and offering an explanation for what many described as a “scandal.”
Thiaw said he understands the anger and frustration in Morocco, stressing that Senegal did not intend to offend either the hosts or the supporters. He added that the situation escalated quickly and that the staff were forced to make a call under difficult circumstances.
The Senegal coach also defended the move by pointing to organizational and logistical issues that, according to him, made it impossible for his side to take part in the showpiece. He argued that the team’s position was based on concerns they felt could not be ignored.
His comments come after Senegal’s pullout from the AFCON final sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning the timing and the impact on the tournament’s climax. Thiaw, however, maintained that the decision was taken reluctantly and repeated his apology to Moroccan fans.
