The saga around the AFCON 2025 final has flared up again after Senegal coach Pape Thiaw appeared to rewrite his own story.
In a teaser for a new documentary, he now claims his team left the pitch because of crowd trouble. His latest version: “Our supporters were on the other side and there were problems. Even on the pitch, so we could not play.”
Small problem. The TV footage shows him telling players to walk off in protest at the referee. Even bigger problem. After the match he already said: “I apologise for asking the players to leave the stadium but now we accept the referee’s mistakes.” Awkward.
Morocco were awarded a 3-0 win after Senegal refused to restart play for about 16 minutes during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
African football bosses were not amused. The Confederation of African Football handed Thiaw a 12-match suspension for encouraging the walk-off.
The row has now landed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Senegal argues the match was forfeited too quickly. Morocco says the evidence is painfully clear and backed by referee reports and video.
The drama even reached global rule-makers. The International Football Association Board tightened the rules using footage from the match to punish teams and coaches who storm off the pitch.
A verdict is expected before the next international break. Most sports lawyers say the result is almost certain to stand. The only realistic prize left for Senegal is a lighter punishment. Not quite the rewrite Thiaw was hoping for.
