Senegal coach Pape Thiaw says the controversy from January’s Africa Cup of Nations final is firmly in the past as his side prepares for Tuesday’s World Cup opener against France.
Speaking ahead of the Group I clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Thiaw insisted the team’s attention is solely on the tournament ahead.
“I am not going to go back over the AFCON, that’s behind us. This is the World Cup. We have prepared well for it, and we are focused on tomorrow’s match,” he said.
The AFCON final in Rabat saw Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time, but not without drama. Much of the Senegal team walked off in protest at a late penalty awarded to the hosts.
The players eventually returned, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz had the spot-kick saved, and Pape Gueye scored the winner.
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Senegal celebrated a second African title, but were stripped of it two months later by the Confederation of African Football as punishment for the walk-off.
The case is now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and Senegal are awaiting the outcome of their appeal.
Thiaw, who was an unused substitute when Senegal stunned France 1-0 in their 2002 World Cup opener, said a repeat result would not be a shock.
“It would not be a surprise if we beat a France team with world-class players. France are favourites, but our team has been champions of Africa, and we have qualified for a third straight World Cup,” he said.
Senegal will be led by Sadio Mane, who returns to the World Cup at 34 after missing the 2022 edition through injury. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is also fit after recovering from a back problem.
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