Senegal coach Pape Thiaw took a grounded and thoughtful approach, steering clear of sensationalist terms like “Group of Death” or “lenient draw” often thrown around by the media.
“Group of death or lenient draw, these are generally the terms used by the press.” Thiaw said in a calm and composed tone. “But as Senegal’s coach, we believe that all the teams present at this AFCON deserve respect. Each of the 24 qualified teams has earned its spot. There is no easy path to this stage.”
Senegal, naturally drew much attention, with pundits eager to evaluate their chances. However, Thiaw’s focus was less on speculation and more on the reality of African football’s increasing competitiveness.
“Moreover,” he continued, “there are practically no more ‘small teams’ in Africa. We are witnessing a leveling up across the continent. The quality of football has improved everywhere. Teams that were once seen as underdogs are now formidable opponents.”
He provided a striking example to emphasize his point: “Take Ghana, for instance. They are four-time AFCON champions, a nation with rich footballing history. Yet, they are absent this year. That tells you everything you need to know about how competitive qualification has become. Every team in this tournament fought hard to be here, and they deserve their place and our respect.”
Thiaw’s words resonate with a broader message about African football’s growth. Over the years, smaller nations have closed the gap, with many surprising traditional powerhouses during qualification campaigns. For the Senegal coach, this is not a reason for complacency but rather a call to approach every match with seriousness and respect.
As Senegal prepares to begin their AFCON journey, Thiaw’s leadership and perspective set the tone for a team that has learned to balance confidence with humility. “For us, it’s not about who we face but how we prepare and execute. That will make the difference,” he concluded.
With his level-headed mindset and Senegal’s impressive squad, Pape Thiaw has made one thing clear: the Teranga Lions are ready to fight for every inch on the pitch.
Senegal are in the same group with DR Congo, Benin and Botswana.
