The Senegal national team will have to cope without its head coach, Pape Thiaw, for the first five matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Senegalese coach has been suspended for five official matches by the Disciplinary Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following a decision that has sparked numerous reactions in the national football scene.
This sanction comes at a strategic moment for the “Lions of Teranga”, who are set to begin a new qualifying campaign with the ambition of maintaining their status as a reference on the African continent. Without their head coach on the bench, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has been forced to put in place an interim arrangement to ensure the technical and tactical continuity of the team.
According to information provided by the federal authorities, a member of the current coaching staff will take over on an interim basis during the suspension period. This choice reflects a desire for stability, as the FSF prefers an internal solution to avoid disrupting the team’s dynamics. The appointed interim coach will be tasked with leading the team during official matches, while maintaining the playing philosophy established by Pape Thiaw.
Despite this forced absence, Pape Thiaw will remain involved behind the scenes, participating in the strategic preparation for matches, even though he won’t be able to coach from the bench or intervene directly during games. His role will be limited to analysis, planning, and remote monitoring, while waiting for the end of his suspension.
For the players, this situation represents an additional challenge, but also an opportunity to showcase their maturity and adaptability. The senior players will need to take on more responsibilities, both on and off the pitch, to ensure good results during this crucial phase of the qualifiers.
Despite this sanction, Senegal’s objectives remain unchanged: to make a strong start in the race for AFCON 2027 and confirm their place among the best African nations. The FSF is confident, believing that the support structure in place will allow the team to navigate this delicate period without compromising their continental ambitions.
