At 0-0, Morocco were awarded a late penalty, with the decision infuriating the Senegal bench to the point where Thiaw called his players off the pitch.
Only after the intervention of captain Sadio Mane saw the players return - over ten minutes later. Brahim Diaz promptly saw his fluffed Panenka penalty saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to take the game into extra-time. And it was Pape Gueye who scored to secure the final for the Senegalese.
After this week's celebrations and ceremonies back home, Thiaw again addressed his actions on the night.
He began: "I simply tried to protect my players in the face of what I perceived as an injustice.
"It was never my intention to go against the principles of the game or to disrespect football."
His words were measured, but accompanied by a message of apology to those affected by the incident: "I apologise if anyone was hurt.
"I'm sure, however, that those who truly love football will understand that emotion is a fundamental component of this sport."