Pape Diop, the former coach of the Senegal national football team, passed away on Wednesday in Thiès. He led the Teranga Lions during the African Cup of Nations in Egypt in 1986 and played a crucial role in Senegal’s qualification for the tournament.
Pape Diop is widely recognized as the key figure behind Senegal’s return to the final phase of the African Cup of Nations after an 18-year absence. A former professional footballer in France, he transitioned to coaching and managed various clubs, including Jeanne d’Arc, ASFA, AS Police, and Jaraaf.
In 1983, Pape Diop led Senegal to the semi-final of the African Cup of Champion Clubs while playing for Jaraaf. After retiring as a player, he had two coaching stints with the national team, the latter in the 1980s.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Pape Diop battled Alzheimer’s disease, and it ultimately led to his passing.
