Regragui slams Pape Thiaw Following AFCON Final Walkout
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has pulled no punches in his assessment of the dramatic scenes that unfolded during the Africa Cup of Nations final, accusing Senegal’s Pape Thiaw of shaming the continent after an explosive mid-match protest.
The final, which saw Senegal eventually crowned champions, was marred by a standoff when Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch in response to a controversial penalty decision. Although the Teranga Lions eventually returned to complete the match and secure the trophy, the incident has sparked a heated debate regarding sportsmanship and the global image of African football.
Speaking to the press following the heart-wrenching defeat, Regragui focused heavily on the optics of the walkout, suggesting it damaged the reputation of the tournament during its most-watched moment. He stated that it is shameful to project such an image of Africa, particularly when a coach actively directs his players to leave the field
The Moroccan manager further noted that this confrontational behavior began as early as the pre-match press conference, emphasizing that a leader must remain classy in both victory and defeat.
The impact of the protest was also a point of contention for Regragui, who believes the delay was a calculated move that disrupted the momentum of the game. He specifically highlighted how the long wait before a crucial penalty caused star player Brahim Díaz to lose his concentration.
While Regragui was careful to note that the stoppage was no excuse for the final result, he remained firm in his belief that Thiaw’s actions did not honor the continent’s sporting values.
Ultimately, Regragui offered a begrudging acknowledgment of the reality of the scoreboard, noting that the victory grants Thiaw a level of immunity from criticism.
He concluded by saying that since Thiaw won, he can say whatever he likes as an African champion, even if the methods used to get there remain deeply controversial.
Regragui’s words
“He started from the press conference but we have to be classy in victory or defeat. What pape did doesn’t honor Africa. But he’s won it, he can say whatever he likes, he is an African champion.
The stoppage didn’t help Brahim but it’s not an excuse.”
When Pape Thiaw made his way to the conference room post match, he didn’t have the chance to respond to what Regragui had said, due to chaotic scenes between Moroccan and Senegalese journalists. It was resolved that the manager returns back to the locker room.
It is still to be seen if the Confederation of African Football will take any formal action regarding the temporary abandonment of the match.
