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Aboubacry Ba defends Pape Thiaw amid criticism after Senegal's World Cup elimination
via SeneNews1 min read
Journalist Aboubacry Ba has defended coach Pape Thiaw following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of sixteen. Ba criticized the tendency to blame only the coach for the team's failure, highlighting that many individuals claimed credit after the continental victory at the Africa Cup of Nations CAN. He noted that after the CAN win, nearly 50 people shared bonuses and rewards, claiming responsibility for the Lions' success. Ba finds it inconsistent to now direct all criticism solely at the coach. He pointed to various issues reported during the World Cup campaign, including delays with the coach's contract, logistical problems, food issues, travel management, the presence of influencers, and administrative difficulties. Ba argued that it is difficult to hold one person responsible for all these problems. He called for the same logic to be applied to both successes and failures, stating that Pape Thiaw should not be solely blamed for the current disappointment, just as he was not solely responsible for the national joy during the CAN. This stance comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future of the technical staff and the governance of Senegalese football.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The Division of Criminal Investigations DIC recently dismantled a drug trafficking network in the Almadies district of Dakar, leading to the arrest of four suspects. The operation resulted in the seizure of 96 bottles of nitrous oxide, 562 capsules, bulk MDMA, 175,000 CFA francs, and five mobile phones. The arrested individuals are D. Kébé, a freight forwarder; S. C. Diakhaté, a security guard; A. Sarr, a taxi driver; and M. Sarr, identified as the main suspect. Investigators reportedly used an infiltration strategy by ordering drugs to identify network members. This led to the arrest of D. Kébé, who then implicated A. Sarr. A. Sarr was apprehended in his taxi at the Léopold Sédar Senghor stadium parking lot, where police found several cartons of nitrous oxide bottles. Subsequent investigations led to the arrests of S. C. Diakhaté, where MDMA was allegedly found, and M. Sarr, at whose home 78 bottles of nitrous oxide were seized. During his questioning, M. Sarr claimed his supply came from a provider known as "Phantom," who he stated is based in Switzerland. The DIC is currently working to verify this declaration as investigations continue to identify potential accomplices and determine the full extent of the network's activities.
The Senegalese Football Federation FSF has decided to keep Lamine Diatta as the general manager of the national team, even after terminating the contracts of coach Pape Thiaw and his entire technical staff. This decision highlights the FSF's commitment to maintaining continuity in the team's administration as it prepares for upcoming competitions. Diatta, a former Senegalese international, is not affected by the reorganization initiated after the Lions of Teranga's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The FSF aims to preserve logistical and organizational continuity while actively searching for a new coach to rebuild the team for future continental and international challenges.
Jayden Adams, a 25-year-old South African midfielder who recently represented his country at the 2026 World Cup, has died. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Local media reports suggest Adams was suffering from deep depression following the death of his grandmother two weeks prior, and some speculate about suicide. However, investigators have not yet provided any official confirmation regarding the cause of death. Adams participated in all three group stage matches for South Africa at the World Cup before being an unused substitute in their round of 16 loss to Canada.