Senegal's World Cup campaign unraveled in dramatic fashion when a 2-0 lead against Belgium slipped away, sealing a defeat that sent the Lions of Teranga packing.
A nation at a crossroads
Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, already under a five‑match ban for an earlier incident, found himself at the centre of a storm as pundits questioned his man‑management and tactical choices.
The ban, stemming from a controversial exit during the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, adds a layer of administrative chaos just as the team prepares for crucial qualifiers.
Midfielder Pape Gueye announced he will take a break from the national team as long as Thiaw remains coach, while veteran defender Khalidou Koulibaly’s international career may be drawing to a close after a string of errors in the group stage.
The ripple effects are already being felt beyond the tournament, with the next Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to be co‑hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, a prospect that could reshape the regional football landscape.
Amid the uncertainty, Sadio Mane has signalled his willingness to stay engaged with the squad, hoping to steer Senegal back to the summit of African football.