Pape Thiaw has been appointed as the interim coach of Senegal’s national football team, the Teranga Lions, following the dismissal of Aliou Cissé.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) made the decision to temporarily place Thiaw in charge as the team prepares for two crucial matches against Malawi, part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
These matches will take place on October 11 in Dakar and October 15 in Lilongwe.
Thiaw, a former international player who was part of Senegal’s 2002 golden generation, previously served as Cissé’s assistant.
He gained recognition for leading Senegal’s local team to victory in the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a triumph that contributed to his current appointment.
Despite his proven success, the FSF has remained cautious about making his position permanent, as Thiaw is considered an interim solution for now.
The squad for the upcoming matches remains largely unchanged from the one Cissé had previously selected.
Notable inclusions are Lazio’s Boulaye Dia and first-time call-up Cheikh Lo Ndoye, a 32-year-old goalkeeper from Jaraaf Dakar.
While the decision to part ways with Cissé has sparked some criticism, the focus now shifts to Thiaw’s ability to steer Senegal through these critical qualifiers.
