Senegal: Pape Thiaw faces the challenge of the post-Aliou Cissé era

A new beginning for the Lions

This Friday, October 11, marks the beginning of a new era for the Senegal national team, now under the direction of Pape Thiaw. The latter will lead his first match against Malawi, in a post-Aliou Cissé context. In addition to the importance of the result for qualification for the 2025 CAN, Thiaw faces a major challenge: to restore dynamism to the Lions’ game, after a period marked by a certain disillusionment among supporters.

Pressure and expectations around Pape Thiaw

Since 2015, the Senegalese have seen Aliou Cissé lead the Lions. His departure on October 2, 2024 left a void that Pape Thiaw must now fill, with the heavy task of reconciling the national team with its public. The supporters, demanding since the coronation at the CAN 2021, expect not only victories, but also an attractive game, after a period of discontent linked to Cissé’s tactical choices, in particular the switch to the 3-5-2 / 5-3-2 system.

The challenge of reconquest

According to Malang Sané, a Senegalese journalist, continuing with the 5-3-2 system, which cost Cissé his job, would represent a risk for Thiaw. The latter is rather known for his attachment to the 4-3-3, a more balanced system and adapted to the qualities of the current players of the national team. Pape Thiaw must therefore make judicious tactical choices to restore confidence to a team that is lacking offensively, with only four goals scored in the last four matches.

A man of character and change

Pape Thiaw is no stranger to bold changes. At the last CHAN in Algeria, he made some surprising decisions, starting unknown players like Pape Mamadou Sy and Momodou Sané, who ended up shining. Thiaw led the team to victory, giving Senegal its first CHAN. This risk-taking spirit could be the key to distinguishing himself from his predecessor and imposing his own vision of the game.

Pape Thiaw, a potential long-term successor?

At 43, Pape Thiaw has a good reputation in Senegal, where the authorities seem to prefer a local coach for the post-Cisse era. Although names like Habib Beye, Omar Daf and even Hervé Renard are circulating, Thiaw has his card to play. If his interim is crowned with success, notably with victories against Malawi, he could extend his mandate at the head of the Lions. However, as Malang Sané points out, his lack of experience at the highest level remains a weak point to consider.

Conclusion

Pape Thiaw has the opportunity to make history by taking over the reins of the Senegal Lions at a critical time. His challenge is immense: to bring back enthusiasm among the fans, restore confidence in the players and prove that he has the stature to succeed Aliou Cissé in the long term. His performances in the upcoming matches will be decisive for his future at the helm of the Senegalese national team.