Pape Thiaw : un bilan contrasté entre succès historiques et limites managériales
Pape Thiaw's adventure at the helm of the Senegalese national team has come to an end after just over a year and a half. While his tenure will be remembered for remarkable sporting results, the 2026 World Cup campaign and the criticism surrounding his management of the team ultimately convinced the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to move on.
Appointed manager in December 2024 to succeed Aliou Cissé, the former Senegalese international quickly found the right formula. In 21 matches played, his team recorded 16 wins, 2 draws and only 3 losses, with 47 goals scored against 13 conceded, an average of more than two goals scored per match.
Beyond these impressive statistics, Pape Thiaw led the Lions to two major achievements. He first secured Senegal's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, before delivering the country a second continental title by winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. These performances seemed to confirm the 45-year-old coach's ability to continue the work of Aliou Cissé.
The critical turning point of the 2026 World Cup
But the World Cup held in North America profoundly changed the perception of his tenure. Despite some encouraging moments, the Lions showed worrying weaknesses in the big matches. The defeats against France (3-2) and Norway (3-2), followed by elimination in the round of 16 against Belgium (3-2), highlighted the team's difficulties in managing decisive moments.
Beyond the results, it was primarily Pape Thiaw's management style that came under scrutiny. Several observers criticized him for a lack of authority within the locker room, believing he wasn't firm enough with the senior players. This approach, sometimes considered too lenient, is said to have contributed to weakening team cohesion during the World Cup.
Faced with numerous criticisms and the disappointment generated by the Lions' performance, the Senegalese Football Federation has finally decided to end its collaboration with the coach. This decision may seem harsh given his excellent record and the trophies won, but many consider it justified after the shortcomings displayed during the 2026 World Cup and the persistent questions about his ability to manage a top-level squad.
Pape Thiaw thus leaves the national team with a mixed legacy: that of a coach who won the AFCON and qualified Senegal for the World Cup, but whose limitations in human and tactical management ultimately precipitated the end of his tenure.
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