By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Since taking charge of Senegal just over a year ago, coach Pape Thiaw has quietly transformed the national team — and with 11 matches unbeaten (9 wins, 2 draws), the Teranga Lions are not just winning; they are thriving with unity and purpose.
That spirit was perfectly symbolised by a single moment in their emphatic 5–0 win over South Sudan, when star forward Sadio Mané handed a penalty kick to Nicolas Jackson, despite having the chance to pad his own stats.
After the match, Thiaw made it clear what that gesture meant.
“Sadio Mané is a great man. He showed today that he doesn’t play for statistics. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given the penalty to Nicolas Jackson,” Thiaw told Dsports.
“It’s a noble gesture, which reflects the team’s spirit. The harmony between the players is excellent, and I hope it lasts.”
Total control in Diamniadio
Senegal were in command from the first whistle. Ismaïla Sarr opened the scoring in the 29th minute, curling home after a flowing build-up involving Habib Diallo and Lamine Camara.
Just seconds into the second half, Mané doubled the lead — a composed chip on his 100th international appearance, met with thunderous applause by the home crowd.
Sarr added his second in the 54th minute, finishing off a slick counterattack sparked by Pape Matar Sarr, before the standout moment of the night followed: Nicolas Jackson was brought down in the area, and Mané — Senegal’s all-time top scorer — stepped aside, handing him the ball. Jackson converted for 4–0.
Substitute C. Ndiaye rounded off the scoring in the 75th minute, tapping in after a strong run and assist from Bamba Dieng.
From icons to structure
Mané may be the face of Senegalese football, but under Pape Thiaw, the team has evolved into a collective machine. There’s tactical clarity, strong squad rotation, and a winning mentality — all underpinned by mutual respect between coach and players.
The decision by Mané to defer to Jackson was not just humility — it was a product of a dressing room environment where leadership is earned through trust, not ego.
“The harmony between the players is excellent,” Thiaw reiterated. “And I hope it lasts.”
Pape Thiaw’s record as Senegal coach:
- 11 matches unbeaten
- 9 wins
- 2 draws
- 0 defeats
- Goals scored: 23 | Conceded: 3
Under his watch, Senegal look not only like favourites to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but a side rediscovering the unity that made them African champions in 2021.
Qualification chances
Senegal currently top their group with 21 points from seven matches. Next week, they host Sudan, before a crucial trip to face DR Congo. If this unbeaten momentum continues, a ticket to North America 2026 may soon be within reach.
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