Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Sacked After World Cup Knockout

Pape Thiaw has been dismissed as the head coach of the Senegal national football team following their disappointing performance and early elimination from the World Cup. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the decision, which also includes the termination of the entire national team's coaching staff, after an executive committee meeting.

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The decision was made after its executive committee meeting, which also agreed to terminate the services of the entire national team's coaching staff.

FSF President Abdoulaye Fall is scheduled to hold a press conference to elaborate on the reasons behind the dismissals and outline the future plans for the national team. Thiaw, a 45-year-old former Senegalese international player, was appointed head coach in 2024. However, his tenure was marked by the team's underwhelming display at the World Cup, failing to meet the high expectations placed upon them.

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Thiaw, 45, a former international player for Senegal, was appointed head coach in 2024. However, he failed to meet expectations as Senegal put up a lackluster performance at the World Cup.

Despite a strong start in the group stage where they defeated Iraq 5-0 after losses to France and Norway, Senegal's World Cup journey ended in the Round of 32. They were defeated 3-2 by Belgium in extra time, despite having held a 2-0 lead until the 86th minute. Earlier in January, Thiaw had guided Senegal to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, but the title was later revoked as a penalty following a controversial incident in the final match against Morocco where the team abandoned the field.

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Senegal's journey, however, ended in the Round of 32 when they lost 3-2 to Belgium after extra time, despite leading 2-0 until the 86th minute.