Senegal have appointed Pape Thiaw as their new national coach, with the 43-year-old tasked with leading the team to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and secure qualification for the next World Cup.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed Thiaw’s appointment on Friday, following his successful tenure as interim coach since October.
The former Senegalese international will take the reins with immediate effect, signing a two-year renewable contract that outlines ambitious objectives: securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Thiaw stepped in after the dismissal of Aliou Cissé, who had managed the team since 2015, guiding them to their first AFCON title in 2021 and to the last two World Cup tournaments.
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Thiaw, a former Senegal international, brings both playing and coaching experience to the role. The ex-forward, who had stints with French clubs Saint-Étienne, Strasbourg, and Metz, was part of the Senegal team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup.
Pape Thiaw comme coach intérimaire du Sénégal🇸🇳 c’est:
⚽4 Matchs
🌟4 victoires
🎯8 Buts
🛡️00 but encaisséVous le prenez comme sélectionneur officiel des lions? pic.twitter.com/zUGxmd9iQC
— Actu Foot Senegal 🇸🇳 (@ActuFootSn_) November 19, 2024
As a coach, Thiaw achieved significant success, notably winning the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a squad made up of domestic-based players.
The mastermind behind Senegal’s coronation! 🧠
🇸🇳 Pape Thiaw wins the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 Best Coach Award! 👏 @Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/Z0iJIX93PH
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 5, 2023
This sets the stage for Thiaw to blend Senegal’s experienced core—featuring stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly—with emerging talents to create a formidable squad.
With Thiaw now at the helm, Senegal will be aiming for continued success on the continental and global stage, starting with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
