The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has named Pape Thiaw as the new head coach of the national team on a two-year renewable contract.
The former Senegalese international takes over with the mandate to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reach at least the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Thiaw, a respected figure in Senegalese football, inherits a team riding high on recent successes, including their maiden AFCON title in 2021 and an impressive performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup under Aliou Cissé.
The FSF’s decision reflects confidence in Thiaw’s tactical expertise and leadership abilities to maintain and build upon the team’s momentum.
The immediate priority for the new coach will be the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as Senegal seeks to claim one of Africa’s expanded berths in the tournament.
Beyond this, the 2025 AFCON presents an opportunity for Thiaw to demonstrate his coaching acumen, with a quarterfinal finish set as the minimum target.
Thiaw’s coaching experience includes a notable tenure with AS Douanes, where he earned recognition for fostering young talent and instilling discipline in his teams.
