Bab Thiaw, the head coach of the Senegal national team, confirmed that his actions during the Africa Cup of Nations final were driven by the desire to protect his players, denying any intention to offend or deviate from the principles of football, and offering his apology if his behavior was misunderstood in any way.

Thiaw stated in his remarks following the controversy surrounding the match: “I only aimed to protect my players during the confrontation, and it was not my intention to act in a way that contradicts the values of football. If what happened offended anyone, I apologize, but emotions remain an integral part of this game.”

This statement comes days after the Senegal national team was crowned champion of the Africa Cup of Nations, following their victory over the Moroccan team in the tournament's final match held on Moroccan soil, in a confrontation characterized by excitement and competitiveness until its last moments.

The final minutes of regular time witnessed wide arbitration controversy after Senegal's players left the field in protest of a penalty awarded by the referee to the Moroccan team, a decision met with protests from the coaching staff and players before they returned to the field.

Nevertheless, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, before the Senegal national team managed to settle the match during extra time with a decisive goal by Bab Gueye, granting the “Lions of Teranga” their continental title in a dramatic conclusion to the tournament.