Moussa Niakhate points to Pape Thiaw’s Africa Cup triumph after Senegal change

Moussa Niakhate has paid tribute to Pape Thiaw after the Senegal manager was dismissed following the team’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

The Olympique Lyonnais defender said Thiaw had taken charge of Senegal in difficult circumstances and deserved recognition for guiding the Lions of Teranga to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Thiaw’s departure was confirmed after he spent 23 months in charge of the national side. He was removed from his position shortly after Senegal returned from the 2026 World Cup, bringing his time as manager to an end.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced on Tuesday that Patrick Vieira would replace him. Vieira’s appointment prompted questions about the change in leadership, but Niakhate chose first to acknowledge the work carried out by his former manager.

“I saw the news about Patrick Vieira. First of all, I want to pay tribute to Pape Thiaw because he took over the national team in difficult circumstances and won the Africa Cup of Nations,” Niakhate said after the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Fenerbahce.

His comments came immediately after the European tie, where attention turned briefly to the future of the Senegal team and the arrival of a new coach. Niakhate’s response placed the emphasis on Thiaw’s achievements rather than on the circumstances of his dismissal.

The former Senegal manager had been in charge for almost two years before the decision was made to end his tenure. His spell included success in the Africa Cup of Nations, an achievement Niakhate highlighted while discussing the federation’s decision to appoint Vieira.

Senegal’s coaching change therefore follows two significant developments: Thiaw’s exit after the 2026 World Cup and Vieira’s appointment as his successor. The federation announced the move on Tuesday, while Niakhate’s remarks offered public recognition of the outgoing manager’s contribution.

For Niakhate, Thiaw’s record cannot be separated from the conditions in which he began his role. The defender specifically referred to the challenge of taking over the national team before pointing to the Africa Cup of Nations victory achieved during Thiaw’s time in charge.

The 30-year-old’s message was not framed as criticism of Vieira’s appointment. Instead, he made clear that his first reaction was to honour Thiaw, whose tenure ended shortly after Senegal’s return from the World Cup.

With the federation now turning to Vieira, the change marks a new stage for Senegal’s national team. However, Niakhate’s comments underline the importance of Thiaw’s Africa Cup success in assessing his period as manager, despite the disappointing outcome at the 2026 World Cup.