Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo has praised his players’ determination after they battled from a difficult start to claim a hard-fought draw against Congo at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.
Speaking after the match, Diallo described the encounter as a trap match with significant implications for both points and group standings.
Going into this tricky match allowed us to be cautious and motivate the players. The competition is long, this match will serve as a wake-up call for what comes next, he said.
The Senegal boss was full of admiration for his side’s fighting spirit, particularly in the face of early setbacks.
I want to thank the boys who played a truly heroic match. We knew we were going to have a somewhat complicated match against this opponent. It’s a team that played a very good match. I think the result today is that the boys forced it to give us the point. I imagine it could have been difficult to take a defeat at the end of that match. I think today, the boys showed that Senegal is a great team.”
Diallo was candid about his team’s slow start, admitting the opening stages were far from their best.
We are not used to playing in a midfield. We had to accept the opponent’s possession while remaining faithful to our system, he explained, referring to the tactical adjustments his side was forced to make in the early exchanges.
He also highlighted the decisive influence of the players who entered from the bench, praising their readiness to change the game’s momentum.
The players who came on brought real added value. I don’t see them as substitutes, but as counterparts, Diallo noted, underlining the depth and unity within his squad.
Looking ahead, the coach remains confident about Senegal’s chances of progressing, insisting that the team has both the quality and flexibility to adapt to future challenges.
We have variations in our game, we will continue to work to secure qualification. Sudan will be another challenge, but we are ready, he said.
The draw leaves Senegal in a competitive position in their group, but with little room for complacency.
For Diallo, the performance — rather than the scoreline — was the most important takeaway, serving as evidence that his players possess the resilience and character to handle high-pressure situations in the tournament.
