AFCON Storm Behind Us, France Next: Thiaw Rallies Senegal For World Cup Clash

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has stressed that his side has put the controversy surrounding January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final behind them and is fully focused on Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup opener against France in New Jersey.

Speaking ahead of the Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium, Thiaw dismissed any suggestion that the fallout from the AFCON final could affect his players’ concentration.

“I am not going to revisit the AFCON. That chapter is closed. Our focus is on the World Cup, and we have prepared thoroughly for tomorrow’s game,” he said.

The AFCON final in Rabat was one of the most dramatic contests in recent African football history. Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco after extra time, but the match was marred by controversy when several Senegal players temporarily left the pitch in protest following a late penalty awarded to the hosts.

After play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed from the spot before Pape Gueye netted the winning goal to seal Senegal’s second continental title.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped Senegal of the championship as a sanction for the walk-off incident.

The Lions of Teranga subsequently appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and are still awaiting a final decision.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Thiaw insists his team’s attention is firmly fixed on the challenge of facing France.

The Senegal coach was a member of the squad that famously shocked France with a 1-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup, although he did not play in that match.

More than 20 years later, Thiaw believes another upset would not be unexpected.

“It would not be surprising if we beat France, even with all their world-class talent. They are the favourites, but we are former African champions and have qualified for our third consecutive World Cup,” he said.

Senegal will also be strengthened by the return of captain and star forward Sadio Mane, who missed the 2022 World Cup because of injury.

Meanwhile, skipper Kalidou Koulibaly has recovered from a back issue and is available for selection as Senegal prepare to take on France.