AFCON drama behind us, says Senegal coach ahead of World Cup opener

Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, has declared that the team has moved past the controversy from January's Africa Cup of Nations final, emphasizing their sole focus on the upcoming World Cup and their opening match against France. "I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it, and we are focused on tomorrow’s match," Thiaw stated. The team was sensationally stripped of their AFCON title two months after winning it, following a protest where much of the squad walked off the field in response to a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Senegal had been furious over a disallowed goal earlier in the match. Despite eventually winning the final 1-0 after extra time, the Confederation of African Football punished the team for the walk-off, a decision Senegal is appealing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Thiaw, who was an unused substitute in Senegal's historic 2002 World Cup upset win over France, believes a repeat performance is possible. "It would not be a surprise if we beat a France team with world-class players," he said, acknowledging France as favorites but highlighting Senegal's status as African champions and their third consecutive World Cup qualification. The team will be led by Sadio Mane, returning to the World Cup at 34 after missing the previous edition due to injury, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is fit after a back problem.

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I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it, and we are focused on tomorrow’s match.