Augustin Senghor, the most successful president in the history of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), anticipated overseeing the Lions of Teranga’s World Cup journey, having done so during the tournaments in Russia and Qatar. However, the 60-year-old lawyer, who also serves as the mayor of Gorée island—a significant site in the transatlantic slave trade—unexpectedly lost his position in the FSF elections last August.
“After losing the election I decided to stay quiet and not talk too much about football, to allow the new administration to take charge, with my cooperation and full support,” Senghor stated. His tenure is often remembered for its achievements and the professional management of the FSF, contrasting sharply with the recent governance issues under the new administration led by Abdoulaye Fall.
“I told him that he had to focus on the assignment for our nation and not be distracted. Seeing our nation do well is what is more important. “Many in the country have been asking why there are so many problems with the management of the team, as they say that this was unheard of during my time. I have chosen to stay silent until the first anniversary of my departure as FSF president. That is when I will speak my mind.”
Just prior to Senegal’s narrow 3-2 defeat against Norway on Monday, Thiaw confirmed that his contractual and salary disputes had been settled. Reports from within the Senegalese football community indicated that a $100,000-per-month salary demand had stalled negotiations with the national government, which is responsible for player wages. Thiaw expressed his frustration over the drawn-out discussions, asserting that the core issue was never financial. “It was not never a money issue but a principles and respect issue,” he remarked. This turmoil follows the aftermath of January’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Having suffered losses to both France and Norway, Senegal now faces a daunting task of securing a place in the last 32 of the World Cup. This marks the first time the Lions have lost consecutive matches in a finals since their remarkable debut in 2002. Thiaw is under intense scrutiny from both the public and the media regarding his player selections and tactics as they prepare for their crucial group game against Iraq on Friday.
“I made a lot of mistakes [and] that’s really unfortunate, because losing a match in this way is a real shame, especially at the World Cup. “We know the level here is very high, and you can’t afford mistakes – we made too many to be able to win the match. It happened to me, tomorrow it could happen to someone else. I just hope I can continue helping the team. We have to win.”
There is growing confusion and frustration regarding Thiaw’s hesitance to utilize the promising young talents within his squad. For example, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr should have filled in for Koulibaly against Norway, and not playing the 23-year-old against Iraq would be unwise.
Sadio Mané, who has long been Senegal’s key player, has also been underwhelming in this World Cup, which may be his last. Thiaw urgently needs the 34-year-old to rediscover his attacking prowess against Iraq, fully aware that a significant loss in Toronto could lead to an abrupt end to his 18-month tenure as the national team coach.
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