Senegal coach Pape Thiaw sacrifices bonus to purchase tickets for fans for final World Cup qualifier

Head coach of Senegal Pape Thiaw has decided to sacrifice his bonuses to purchase tickets for the final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mauritania.

Currently, the Taranga Lions sit top of Group B with 21 points, two points adrift of second place team, DR Congo. Meanwhile, qualification for the mundial will be determined on Tuesday, as Senegal takes on Mauritania in Diamniadio in a decisive match.

Senegal boosted their qualification chances last Friday, inflicting a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in an away fixture.

Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation’s increase in stadium ticket prices has sparked numerous concerns in the country ahead of the crucial clash.

Tension have risen around the Senegal Lions, with fans denouncing the soaring ticket prices.

However, Pape Thiaw, who is concern about the risen ticket prices has declared that he would offer his entire victory bonus (estimated at 4 million FCFA) to buy tickets for supporters.

“I can’t comment on that, but I’m going to offer my bonuses to the fans so they can buy tickets. We need our fans,” said Pape Thiaw.

Meanwhile, Senegal players including Krépin Diatta and Cherif Ndiaye, have all promised to buy tickets for supporters to attend the final home game.

Senegal will be hoping to join elite football countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and others for the biggest soccer mundial next year.