Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has declared that the controversy surrounding the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final is firmly in the past as the Lions of Teranga shift their full attention to their FIFA World Cup campaign and a high-profile opening clash against France.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Thiaw stressed that his team is focused solely on the challenge ahead and not on the events that followed their AFCON triumph earlier this year.
“I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it and we are focused on tomorrow’s match,” the Senegal coach said.
The comments come nearly five months after a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a match overshadowed by controversy. Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over officiating decisions before returning to complete the game. Morocco later missed a crucial penalty, while Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that appeared to secure Senegal’s second continental title.
However, the celebrations were short-lived after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently stripped Senegal of the title as punishment for the walk-off incident. The Senegalese Football Federation has since appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a final verdict still pending.
Despite the lingering legal battle, Thiaw insists his squad remains fully concentrated on making an impact at the World Cup.
The former Senegal international also dismissed suggestions that a victory over France would be considered an upset, pointing to his nation’s recent achievements on the global stage.
“It would not be a surprise if we beat a France team with world-class players. France are favourites, but our team has been champions of Africa and we have qualified for a third straight World Cup,” he stated.
The fixture carries special significance for Senegal, whose historic 1-0 victory over France at the 2002 FIFA World Cup remains one of the tournament’s greatest shocks. Thiaw was part of that squad, albeit as an unused substitute, and now has the opportunity to guide a new generation against the same opponents.
Senegal will be boosted by the return of captain and star forward Sadio Mane, who missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also available after recovering from a back problem, providing experience and leadership ahead of the crucial opener.
With confidence high and key players fit, Senegal will be hoping to begin their World Cup journey with another memorable performance against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
