Senegal Coach's Shocking Walk-Off Ploy Sparks Outrage, Apology at AFCON Final

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Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has issued a public apology for asking his players to walk off the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. The incident occurred in the final minutes of the game, which saw Senegal protest a disallowed goal and Morocco awarded a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The drama unfolded when Senegal's El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have committed a foul on Morocco's Brahim Diaz, resulting in a penalty kick. Senegal's coach Thiaw initially asked his players to leave the pitch, but star player Sadio Mane intervened, convincing the coach to reverse the decision. The controversy surrounding the game has been widely condemned, including by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Thiaw acknowledged that his actions were not in line with the spirit of the game, saying, 'We did not agree with the decision, and I really did not like telling my players to leave the pitch. I bring them back.' Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, also expressed his disappointment with the scenes, describing them as 'shameful' and 'unclassy.' Despite the controversy, Senegal managed to claim the title with a 1-0 victory in extra time, thanks to Papa Gueye's goal. Thiaw's apology is a significant step towards healing the wounds of the incident, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect for the game, even in the face of adversity.