Bilan des qualifications : Attaque de feu et défense de fer, Sadio Mané et les Lions impériaux
Senegal finished their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style. By beating Mauritania 4-0 in Diamniadio, the Lions of Teranga confirmed their status as an African powerhouse and brilliantly secured their third consecutive World Cup qualification. This performance demonstrates the strength of a squad combining talent, experience, and youth.
A roller coaster campaign
Housed in a tough Group B, Senegal started off with a bang with a resounding victory against South Sudan (4-0). But the rest of the season proved more difficult. Kalidou Koulibaly's teammates stumbled in Lomé against Togo (0-0), before conceding a worrying draw at home against DR Congo (1-1). These mixed results then rekindled criticism of Aliou Cissé, whose tactical choices were called into question.
The victory in Nouakchott against Mauritania temporarily eased tensions, but did not dispel doubts. Second in the group, the Lions were two points behind Sudan. This would ultimately be Aliou Cissé's last match in World Cup qualifying.
The Pape Thiaw era: rebirth and mastery
Appointed in October 2024, Pape Thiaw quickly made his mark. Under his leadership, Senegal regained fluidity, bite, and, above all, confidence. The former 2002 international recorded a series of four consecutive victories, including qualification for the African Cup of Nations, before suffering his first setback against Sudan (0-0) in March 2026.
But the Lions would respond with character. Three days later, they dominated Togo (2-0) in Diamniadio, regaining control of their destiny in Group B. With their backs against the wall before the trip to Kinshasa, the Senegalese achieved the feat by winning against DR Congo (3-2) in a thrilling match in which they were trailing (2-0). This decisive victory paves the way for a flawless end to their run. The Lions won 5-0 in South Sudan and then 4-0 against Mauritania.
A balanced team, between rigor and efficiency
After ten matches, Senegal boasts an impressive record: 7 wins, 3 draws, 22 goals scored and only 3 conceded. The defense, led by Koulibaly, was exemplary in its rigor, while the attack was firing on all cylinders.
Sadio Mané, still as decisive as ever, finished as top scorer with 5 goals, followed by Pape Matar Sarr (4 goals). Ismaïla Sarr (3 goals), Habib Diallo and Nicolas Jackson (2 goals each) also contributed. Kalidou Koulibaly, Iliman Ndiaye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and Chérif Ndiaye also found the back of the net, as did a Togolese defender against his own goal.
With a fiery attack and a steely defense, Senegal has confirmed its status as a leader in African football. Pape Thiaw has breathed new life into a talented and ambitious squad. With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, the Lions of Teranga are emerging more than ever as one of the African teams to watch in this major competition.
Commentaires (12)
Grande erreur de protocole...
A cause du « travel ban » mis en place par la Maison Blanche, les ressortissants iraniens ne vont pas pouvoir se rendre aux Etats-Unis pour la compétition. Le déplacement semble aussi compromis pour les Colombiens, voire les Ghanéens ou les Marocains.
La méchanceté que les Pastefiens affichent vis à vis de Macky Sall est déconcertante ! C'est incroyable de souhaiter à quelqu'un la perpétuité !
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