AFCON drama over, Senegal coach says as World Cup opener approaches

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said on Monday that the controversy surrounding January’s Africa Cup of Nations final was now a thing of the past, as his team turns its attention to the World Cup and their upcoming match against France.

“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,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the Group I encounter at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It has been almost five months since the Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1‑0 after extra time.

The match was marked by a walk‑off from many Senegal players in protest of a late penalty awarded to the hosts. The players later returned to the field, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the spot‑kick, and Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal.

Senegal, who had been upset that a goal for them was disallowed, celebrated winning their second African championship.

However, the Confederation of African Football stripped them of the title two months later as punishment for the walk‑off. The Lions of Teranga have taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and are still awaiting the outcome of the appeal.

Thiaw was an unused substitute when Senegal beat France 1‑0 in their opening game at the 2002 World Cup—a shock that still resonates. He insists that a similar result would not be expected this time.

“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 said.

Senegal will be led by Sadio Mané, who is returning to a World Cup at 34 after missing the 2022 edition due to injury. Skipper Kalidou Koulibaly, the central defender born in France, is fit after a back problem.

AFP

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