Pape Thiaw’s contract as head coach of the Senegal national team is set to expire at the end of February. This comes at a time when the coach is enjoying a particularly positive phase, driven by achieving set goals and the quality of performances delivered.
By winning the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegalese coach has fulfilled all the essential clauses in his contract. The continental title was clearly one of the objectives, alongside qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Sports Minister Khady Diene Gaye reminded everyone during a broadcast on national television, emphasizing that these commitments were formally established at the time of signing: “Qualification for the 2026 World Cup is part of the coach’s contract, just like the victory in the AFCON. This is what was signed between both parties and it’s clear.”
During the AFCON, Pape Thiaw was also asked about the situation of African coaches, who often reach the latter stages of major competitions while being among the lowest-paid globally. Without diving into financial debates, he responded with restraint: “I don’t like talking about money. All I care about is Senegal and our goal.”
On the sporting front, the positive momentum continues. The Senegal national team will gather again in March for the international window dedicated to preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Several friendly matches are scheduled. While the match against the United States in May is already confirmed, other encounters remain to be finalized, particularly against Saudi Arabia and Argentina.
Leading the Lions of Teranga, Pape Bouna Thiaw boasts a solid record: 17 matches managed, with 12 wins, one loss, and 4 draws. Despite these impressive results, the coach has faced controversies. During the AFCON final, he asked his players to leave the pitch after a controversial penalty decision awarded to Morocco, before convincing them to continue the match, which Senegal ultimately won. This incident has drawn sharp criticism on social media, especially in Morocco, where some voices are calling for sanctions against him.
At the same time, Pape Thiaw was not named the best coach of the tournament, despite an unbeaten run, with that honor going to Walid Regragui over the Senegalese. His contract will expire on February 28. Beyond winning the second star and being named a Knight of the National Order of Merit, the coach—the only one to have won both the AFCON and the CHAN—can also hope for a salary increase, a further recognition in line with his performances and the contractual objectives achieved.
