Senegal is beginning a new page in its footballing history. Pape Thiaw, former emblematic striker of the Lions of Teranga, was confirmed on Friday December 13, 2024. He thus becomes the main coach of the Senegalese national team.
Aged 43, he takes over from Aliou Cissé, a notable figure in Senegalese Football.
The latter led the team for almost a decade and won the CAN in 2022.
A meteoric rise
Pape Thiaw’s trajectory perfectly illustrates an exceptional rise in power. In less than three years, he went from the role of assistant coach of the local team to that of main coach of the national team. After the sudden death of Joseph Koto, Pape Thiaw immediately took over the reins of the local team. Thanks to his leadership, the Lions won the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN). It was their first victory in this competition in 11 years.
Furthermore, his interim leadership of the Lions, which began in October 2024 after the departure of Aliou Cissé, has consolidated his reputation. Under his leadership, the team won its four qualifying matches for CAN 2025 while maintaining an impermeable defense. This remarkable performance convinced the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to officially entrust him with management of the team.
A major mission
The task facing Pape Thiaw is colossal. He must not only lead Senegal to the CAN 2025 final, scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, but also obtain qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In this context, he signed a one-year contract and half, subject to validation by the Ministry of Sports.
Their first major challenge will take place in March 2025, during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. On this occasion, the Lions will face Sudan away, before hosting Togo at home.
A unanimous choice
Finally, the choice of Pape Thiaw was obvious within the executive committee of the FSF. Preferred over other renowned candidates, such as Omar Daf and Habib Bèye, he benefits from unanimous support to revitalize a team in search of renewal after the Cissé years.
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