Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo hailed his team’s resilience after they battled past Uganda to secure a place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.
The defending champions overcame a determined Ugandan side in a tense knockout clash, holding firm after taking a second-half lead.
Diallo, speaking at the post-match press conference, admitted that his side had to adapt their approach to withstand late pressure from their opponents.
“We played against a very good Ugandan team, but we must highlight the strong start from Senegal,” he said. “Once we took the lead, we had two options: press high or stay compact at the back.
We chose to defend deep because we have players who are excellent at winning first and second balls. It was the right decision, and while it may have looked like we were under pressure, it was a deliberate and well-executed strategy.”
The Senegalese coach credited his players’ mental toughness as a key factor in securing the victory. He emphasised that football at this level requires more than just physical preparation.
“In modern football, the mental side of the game is essential,” Diallo explained. “We focus on mental strength as much as physical readiness because it’s often what separates teams in difficult moments.”
Diallo also highlighted the importance of squad depth, noting that Senegal’s ability to make effective changes played a decisive role in their success.
“In tournaments like this, those who start are rarely the same as those who finish,” he said. “We are fortunate to have players like Issa Kane and Bonaventure who stepped up today to cover for Yaya Ly’s absence. That depth was crucial for us.”
The reigning champions demonstrated their ability to manage the game intelligently after breaking the deadlock in the second half.
Despite Uganda’s efforts to equalise, Senegal held firm with a disciplined defensive display, showcasing their tournament experience. Diallo’s tactical adjustments allowed his side to absorb pressure and see out a hard-fought victory.
Senegal’s coach praised his squad’s collective spirit, describing their performance as a display of courage and unity. “The boys were heroic today,” he said. “Matches like this are not just about tactics; they are about mentality, heart, and determination. Every player contributed to this win, whether on the pitch or the bench.”
With their place in the semi-finals secured, Senegal remain on track to defend their CHAN title, but Diallo stressed that the team must stay focused ahead of their next challenge.
“We are proud of this result, but we know there is still work to do,” he added. “Our goal is to keep improving with every match.”
Senegal will now prepare for a semi-final clash as they look to continue their title defence and cement their status as one of the continent’s most formidable sides.
