# Regragui Calls Morocco-Senegal AFCON Final “A Shame” in Canal+ Debut

> By  · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/09/07/regragui-calls-morocco-senegal-afcon-final-a-shame-in-canal-debut/

## Summary
Former Morocco coach Walid Regragui called the chaotic January AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal "a shame," criticizing the damage done to African football's image. Speaking as a new Canal+ consultant, he also singled out Senegalese counterpart Pape Thiaw's conduct during the controversial match as part of the problem.

## Key points
- Walid Regragui made the comments during his debut as a Canal+ consultant on Canal Football Club
- The AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal took place in January amid a long-running organizational controversy
- Regragui criticized Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw's attitude during the match

Walid Regragui, the former head coach of Morocco’s national football team, has publicly criticized the turbulent finale of the Africa Cup of Nations, describing the chaotic scenes at the tournament’s climax as “a shame” for African football. Speaking during his first appearance as a Canal+ consultant on the Canal Football Club program, Regragui revisited the controversial final between Morocco and Senegal, which capped a lengthy and contentious saga over the tournament’s organization.

## What Happened at the AFCON Final?

The final, played in January, brought Morocco face-to-face with Senegal after months of disputes surrounding the competition’s hosting arrangements. Regragui, who led the Moroccan side through the tumultuous build-up, said the disorganized atmosphere and controversies overshadowed what should have been a celebration of the continent’s football. He expressed frustration that the episode left a negative impression of African football on a global stage.

> “It was a shame,” Regragui said, reflecting on how the final unfolded.

## Why Did Regragui Criticize Pape Thiaw?

Regragui specifically took aim at Pape Thiaw, his Senegalese coaching counterpart during the final, accusing him of contributing to the unprofessional atmosphere surrounding the match. While the former Morocco boss did not go into exhaustive detail, he suggested that Thiaw’s conduct during the buildup and the match itself worsened tensions rather than easing them, further tarnishing the occasion.

## What Does This Mean for African Football’s Image?

Regragui’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about how organizational disputes and on-pitch controversies can affect perceptions of African football internationally. As a newly appointed television analyst, his remarks signal that the fallout from the January final continues to resonate within the football community, with figures like Regragui using their platforms to call for greater professionalism and better handling of high-stakes matches going forward.

## Source

- [RMC FOOTBALL](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-d-afrique-des-nations/c-etait-une-honte-walid-regragui-revient-sur-la-finale-chaotique-de-la-can-entre-le-maroc-et-le-senegal_AV-202609060445.html) — RMC FOOTBALL

## Sources
- [RMC FOOTBALL](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-d-afrique-des-nations/c-etait-une-honte-walid-regragui-revient-sur-la-finale-chaotique-de-la-can-entre-le-maroc-et-le-senegal_AV-202609060445.html)