![[18 million coaches] Norway-Senegal (3-2): Senegalese fans criticize Pape Thiaw's choices](https://image.seneweb.com/content/news/2026-26-23//thumb_1260x800_6a3ae376bf699_OjehTs6kGV.png)
[18 millions de coachs] Norvège-Sénégal (3-2) : Les supporters sénégalais pointent les choix de Pape Thiaw
After the defeat against France (3-1), the Lions fell again against Norway (3-2) this Tuesday, considerably reducing their chances of qualifying for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
A defeat that many supporters encountered in the streets of Keur Massar and some localities of Dakar attribute to Pape Thiaw, whose tactical choices are strongly contested.
Looking dejected, young Boubacar Sakho wondered: "How could Pape Thiaw field the same starting eleven that had already struggled so much against France? I don't understand his stubbornness in keeping certain key players on the pitch. Especially since Sadio Mané, Gana Guèye, and Kalidou Koulibaly haven't performed very well."
Kalidou Koulibaly, involved in all three Norwegian goals, is also facing heavy criticism. "Koulibaly cost us three goals with a misplaced clearance, a desperate tackle, and another poor passing. It wasn't even worthy of a youth player. Why leave him on the pitch until the 71st minute before replacing him with Pape Matar Cissé, whose performance was also questionable?" Cheikhouna fumed.
This substitution, which came after the damage had already been done, has left many fans perplexed. Madame Seck, a fervent supporter of the Lions, confided: "Personally, I would have started Mamadou Sarr instead of Koulibaly. I also don't understand why Sadio Mané stayed on the pitch in the second half despite his usual lack of effectiveness, while Iliman Ndiaye remained on the bench for the entire match. We ourselves allowed the Vikings to take the lead."
This loyal supporter didn't fail to offer some suggestions. "Young players like Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, Bamba Dieng, Ibrahima Mbaye and Iliman Ndiaye should be given starting positions in this kind of match," she said.
For his part, Abdou Khaly Seck is more critical of the tactical organization implemented by the coach than of the scoreline. "We witnessed a collective defeat for Pape Thiaw's men: turnovers, imbalances, lack of coordination between players, defensive lapses, and difficulty converting chances. And it must be acknowledged that the system put in place by the coach was ill-suited against a team of Norway's caliber. This team can't even beat Jaraaf," argues this football enthusiast.
However, this opinion is not shared by everyone. Saliou Mbaye believes that the coach had no better options: "I think we don't have anything better than this starting eleven."
Other fans are more critical of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). “We have certainly observed many shortcomings within this team. But the management of this high-level event by the Senegalese Football Federation leaves much to be desired. Several rumors suggest delays in bonus payments, unsatisfactory accommodation conditions, catering problems, and administrative hassles. Added to this are the contractual uncertainties and salary delays allegedly affecting Pape Thiaw. Under these circumstances, it is difficult for Sadio Mané and his teammates to fully express their potential on American soil,” Ms. Fall points out.
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