Senegal have taken their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt behind closed doors, staging another discreet training session at the Grand Stade de Tanger complex just three days before the decisive encounter.
Fresh from sealing qualification for the last four, the Lions of Teranga returned to work with minimal public exposure, beginning with a recovery programme held at their hotel.
On Tuesday afternoon at 16:00 GMT, Pape Thiaw’s squad were scheduled to train again on the pitches adjacent to Tangier’s main stadium, with access restricted as part of a tightly managed build-up.
The decision underlines the discipline that has characterised Senegal’s campaign.
Since the opening rounds, the technical staff have placed emphasis on limiting distractions, refining tactical details away from outside scrutiny and ensuring the players are shielded from the noise that surrounds a major continental tournament.
Their next opponents were confirmed on Monday evening, when Egypt edged past holders Ivory Coast 3-2 in a pulsating quarter-final.
That result set up yet another chapter in a rivalry that has shaped African football in recent years and remains fresh in the memories of both camps.
Senegal and Egypt have crossed paths at decisive moments before.
In 2022, the Lions famously lifted their first AFCON trophy at the expense of the Pharaohs, before the two nations were reunited months later in World Cup play-offs that swung Egypt’s way.
Those episodes still resonate, adding a deeper emotional layer to what is already a high-stakes semi-final in Morocco.
This time, Senegal arrive in Tangier carrying the confidence of a side that has navigated the tournament with authority.
Their route to the last four has been marked by patience, defensive solidity and timely goals, traits that have gradually restored belief among supporters and within the camp itself.
Yet the decision to keep training sessions private suggests there is no complacency.
By drawing the curtains on their preparations, Thiaw and his staff are seeking to foster a calm, controlled environment in which fine margins can be addressed.
Set-piece routines, defensive organisation and attacking patterns are all areas that can be refined away from prying eyes, especially against an Egyptian team renowned for exploiting small lapses.
The symbolic weight of this meeting is not lost on the Senegalese squad.
For many of the players, Egypt remain the benchmark of continental success, a side defined by resilience, individual quality and a habit of surviving the tightest contests.
Preparing in seclusion is therefore as much a psychological measure as a tactical one.
The semi-final in Tangier promises more than a place in the final.
It represents a test of Senegal’s maturity and an opportunity to reinforce their status as one of Africa’s dominant forces.
With memories of past triumphs and heartbreaks still vivid, the Lions of Teranga are determined to arrive fully primed.
As the hours tick down, the doors at the Grand Stade de Tanger training base will stay firmly shut, while inside, Senegal quietly sharpen their weapons for another heavyweight clash with Egypt.
