CAN 2025: Pape Thiaw finally responds and takes a firm stand

Africa 27 March 2026 at 12:37

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

28.03.26 FT Friendly International

Senegal

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Peru

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Before the match between Senegal and Peru at the Stade de France, Pape Thiaw appeared at a press conference. The Senegalese coach, who was sanctioned for instructing his players to leave the pitch, had not made any public statements since his team’s triumph last January, and even less so since the latest sanction from the CAF Disciplinary Committee. This was, therefore, the ultimate opportunity!

Pape Thiaw seized the moment to deliver a powerful message: “I told myself I wouldn’t answer this question because, after all, I’m focused on my job. The most important thing is not to lose focus. Everyone knows we are African champions. We’ll keep working to win more trophies. It’s clear to us that trophies are won on the pitch, and that’s exactly what we did. We are African champions.”

He also reflected on his decision to pull his team off the pitch during the CAN 2025 final: “Do I regret, looking back, having asked my players to leave the field? Today, the only thing I take away is the joy of bringing the trophy home, of discovering my country by traveling to the farthest corners of Senegal and presenting the trophy. It’s an immense pleasure.”

Related teams and leagues

Senegal

Peru

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