Senegal coach Pape Thiaw will lead his team into the Africa Cup of Nations final next Sunday against Morocco, repeating a familiar challenge he faced at the CHAN 2023 final on Algerian soil.
After guiding the Lions past Egypt in a tense semi-final, Thiaw will oversee his first AFCON final, yet history mirrors itself: just like in 2023, he will confront the host nation in the title match.
In that CHAN final, Thiaw famously led Algeria to victory against the Fennecs, a performance that cemented his reputation and paved the way for his appointment as Senegal’s senior national team coach.
“History repeats itself with Pape Thiaw!” noted observers following Senegal’s semi-final win.
The victory over Egypt not only secured a spot in the AFCON 2025 final but also highlighted Thiaw’s tactical acumen and ability to manage high-pressure matches against top-tier opponents.
Next Sunday, the Senegalese squad will face Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Thiaw will once again tackle the daunting task of overcoming a host nation in a continental final.
The parallels with the 2023 CHAN final are striking: both encounters saw him contend with the expectations, pressure, and fervent support that host countries bring to championship matches.
Thiaw’s journey from Niary Tally to the senior national team has been marked by a series of calculated successes, and this AFCON final represents both a personal milestone and a national opportunity.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether he can replicate the triumph he achieved against Algeria in 2023, continuing his remarkable record in finals against host nations.
The matchup promises to be a clash of strategy, discipline, and experience.
Thiaw’s Senegal side, known for their resilience and structured play, will challenge Morocco’s home advantage in a contest that is expected to draw intense support from both sets of fans.
For Pape Thiaw, the AFCON 2025 final is more than just a match—it is a chance to solidify his legacy on the continent, building on the foundation laid during the CHAN 2023 success.
His leadership, ability to navigate high-pressure environments, and familiarity with facing host nations in finals provide Senegal with a tactical edge as the tournament reaches its climax.
When the referee blows the final whistle next Sunday, all eyes will be on Thiaw and his Lions, as they aim to secure a historic victory and continue the remarkable pattern of challenging host nations in African football finals.
The stakes are high, and history is once again on the line.
