World Cup qualifier: Pape Thiaw praises Senegal’s composure after comeback win over DR Congo

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw hailed his players’ discipline and resilience after their dramatic 3-2 victory over DR Congo in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.

The Lions fought back from a difficult start in Kinshasa, overturning a two-goal deficit to secure a result that put them back on top of Group B.

Speaking after the match, Thiaw said he was impressed by the way his side remained composed under pressure and executed the game plan despite the early setback.

We were facing a good Congolese team. When we were behind, we never wanted to expose ourselves.Even when we were attacking, we always kept our defensive balance, Thiaw told reporters at his post-match press conference. We stayed calm and continued with our game plan. The goal we scored before the break also did us a lot of good. We talked in the locker room and the boys listened to our instructions. And when we came back, we played behind the defense and it paid off.

Senegal’s victory keeps them in pole position to reach the 2026 World Cup, with qualification now firmly within their control.

The team’s character in hostile conditions was a major talking point, with Thiaw noting how crucial it was for his players not to panic after DR Congo’s strong start.

The turning point came just before half-time, when Senegal pulled a goal back, shifting momentum and giving the visitors renewed confidence.

After regrouping during the interval, they pressed higher in the second half, exploiting spaces in the Congolese defence and capitalising on their chances.

Thiaw, who succeeded Aliou Cissé earlier this year, has now guided the Lions to a vital victory that strengthens their push towards a fourth appearance at the World Cup finals.

Despite the celebrations, he was quick to caution against complacency, reminding his squad that qualification is not yet secured.

We must congratulate the players, but nothing is decided yet because there are still two matches left, he said. We have two more finals to play and we will give them our all to get to the next World Cup.

The coach’s comments reflect his determination to maintain focus as the qualifiers reach their decisive stage.

With two matches remaining, Senegal know their fate is in their own hands, but Thiaw insists the team must continue to approach each fixture with the same discipline and belief that carried them through in Kinshasa.

For now, the Lions’ comeback in DR Congo stands as a statement of their resolve—a performance that showed not only their technical quality but also their ability to respond when tested at the highest level.