Sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Senegal’s national coach, Pape Thiaw, faces a five-match suspension that will keep him off the touchline during the early rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. It’s a tricky situation for the Senegalese coach, but it won’t paralyze the technical staff of the Lions.
Despite this sanction, Pape Thiaw remains fully engaged in managing the national team. According to CAF regulations, he is prohibited from directing the team from the technical area on match days. However, nothing stops him from preparing for matches in advance, defining tactical plans, selecting players, and overseeing training sessions. The coach will continue to work behind the scenes, closely collaborating with his staff.
On the bench, one of his assistants will take over during official matches. This assistant will be responsible for relaying instructions, making substitutions, and managing key moments, including tough times during games. It’s a significant responsibility, but one that has been prepared for a long time, as the technical staff has been working collectively since Pape Thiaw took charge.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) aims to reassure everyone about this situation. Internally, there is a strong emphasis on the continuity of the sports project and the stability of the group. The players, used to working under Pape Thiaw’s guidance, should quickly adapt to this temporary setup. Strategic meetings before matches will also allow the coach to convey his messages and anticipate different game scenarios.
This suspension comes at a crucial time as Senegal embarks on a new qualifying campaign, aiming to remain among the top football nations in Africa. While the coach’s absence from the bench is a symbolic handicap, it does not undermine the goals set by the national team.
Pape Thiaw will have to wait before reclaiming his official spot during matches, but in the meantime, he intends to show that his influence goes far beyond the touchline. It’s another test for the coach, determined to lead the Lions to AFCON 2027, even from a distance.
