Senegal coach Pape Thiaw wary of South Africa’s threat ahead of AFCON 2025

The head coach of South Africa, Pape Thiaw, has heaped praise on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, describing the side as one of the top teams that will feature at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga boss believes the South African side deserves far more recognition and should be considered among the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

Speaking in an interview on RTS last Saturday, Thiaw admitted he was surprised that Bafana Bafana are often overlooked when discussions turn to AFCON favourites.

He stressed that South Africa possesses a solid team structure and an impressive level of cohesion that makes them a serious force on the continental stage.

According to the Senegal coach, much of South Africa’s strength comes from a core group of players who feature for the same club, Mamelodi Sundowns, and have consistently impressed in African competitions.

“They have a core group of players who play for the same club, Mamelodi Sundowns, and who are doing great things in African competitions. Unfortunately, we Africans follow European leagues more than our own. But those who follow African football know that South Africa is a very good team. They finished third in the last AFCON. They have a fantastic goalkeeper who keeps making amazing saves and very talented attacking players ,” Pape Thiaw said during his appearance on the Yoona CAN program.

He further praised the style and quality of football produced by the South Africans, adding, “They are a team that shows some really good things, that plays very good football.”

At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will compete in Group B, where they are drawn alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.

Senegal, on the other hand, are in D with Benin, Botswana, and D.R Congo.

The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to kick off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21, with the final set to be played on January 18, 2026.