Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Kaze slams Senegal ‘walk-out’ after AFCON final controversy
Africa Cup of Nations
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has weighed in on the drama that nearly derailed the AFCON final. While Senegal went on to lift the trophy, Kaze says he was "ashamed" of the decision to temporarily leave the pitch in protest of a penalty award. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has criticised the conduct of the Senegal national team following their attempted walk-out during the dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final against hosts Morocco.
The AFCON showpiece, which Senegal eventually won, was marred by controversy late in stoppage time after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute. As tempers flared, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was seen gesturing for his players to leave the field and head into the dressing rooms in protest.
The incident sparked widespread debate across the continent, with opinions split between sympathy for Senegal’s frustrations and concern over the precedent such actions could set.
Speaking ahead of Chiefs’ return to Betway Premiership action, Kaze made it clear he was uncomfortable with Senegal’s response, even while acknowledging that officiating decisions can test teams at the highest level.
“There are teams from parts of Africa that feel like they’re entitled to win in any way and if it doesn’t happen they try everything to win even if sometimes those things are not honest,” Kaze said.
The Burundian tactician drew from his own experiences in continental competition, pointing to what he believes is a recurring pattern in African football.
“I’ll make an example of the game we played against Zamalek where we conceded early and players started falling down, but when you do it to them they complain,” he added.
Kaze stressed that while gamesmanship and frustration are not unique to AFCON, leaving the field crosses a line that should not be normalised, regardless of the stakes or the perceived injustice.
“But the entire AFCON has been an entertaining spectacle, but there are things I was ashamed of from our continent,” he said.
“I myself am not happy with the referee sometimes, but to leave the field — that’s a precedent that we should all condemn because it can’t be a way of protest on the football pitch.”
Senegal ultimately returned to the field, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving the resulting penalty before his side went on to secure the title. However, the scenes that preceded that moment have lingered long after the final whistle.
For Kaze, the episode served as a reminder that African football’s progress depends not only on talent and passion, but also on discipline, accountability and respect for the game — especially on its biggest stage.