馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Pape Thiaw's future as Senegal coach uncertain ahead of World Cup match against Iraq
via SeneNews2 min read
Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, faces significant pressure as his team prepares for their final group stage match against Iraq in the 2026 World Cup. Following losses to France 1-3 and Norway 2-3, the reigning African champions must secure a decisive victory to have any hope of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Failure to do so could lead to Thiaw's dismissal. The match, scheduled for Friday at 7 PM GMT, is seen as crucial for Thiaw's survival, with expectations high for his tactical choices, starting lineup, and offensive effectiveness. Sources close to the team suggest that an early elimination would significantly weaken Thiaw's position, despite Senegal's status as African champions. The pressure is intensified by the strong performances of other African nations in the tournament. Iraq, participating in the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, has scored only one goal so far but aims to secure a victory or draw to salvage their campaign. For Thiaw, the outcome of this match will be a critical determinant of his tenure.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Senegal's national team faces a complex path to qualify for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. To advance, Senegal must defeat Iraq by at least one goal in their upcoming match. However, this victory alone may not be sufficient, as the team's fate also depends on at least four of eleven specific external scenarios unfolding. One scenario has already been met: Scotland lost by two goals to Brazil in Group C. Senegal now requires three more conditions from the remaining options, which include results from matches in Group E Ivory Coast beats Cura莽ao and Germany beats Ecuador, Group A South Africa and Czech Republic do not win, Group L Ghana wins 2-0, Group H Uruguay loses to Spain, Group J Austria wins, Group F Sweden loses by 2 goals to Japan, Group G Iran loses to Egypt, Group K DR Congo draws with Uzbekistan or Uzbekistan wins 1-0, and Group D Australia beats Paraguay. Supporters will be closely watching not only their team's performance but also the outcomes of these other matches.
Ahead of the Grand Magal 2026, the religious city of Touba has announced strict measures to regulate behavior surrounding the event. These restrictions, decided during a regional development committee meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and presided over by Diourbel Governor Ibrahima Fall, aim to curb perceived excesses on social media and inappropriate festive celebrations. Serigne Abibou Mback茅, representing the Touba delegation, stated that a compliance charter will be introduced for influencers, content creators, and communicators active during the Magal. Publications deemed contrary to the city's values or detrimental to the Grand Magal's image will face sanctions. The objective is to eliminate ostentatious content, false information, and staged presentations that deviate from the event's spiritual dimension. Additionally, a fatwa has been issued against "safar dispendieux," which are costly festive gatherings held the day before the Magal. These practices, characterized by excessive spending, are now officially condemned by religious authorities, who advocate for redirecting financial resources towards more constructive initiatives such as supporting Touba's infrastructure, public works, or social projects. Serigne Abibou Mback茅 emphasized that these ostentatious expenditures are a concerning deviation given the significant collective needs.
AEE Power EPC has filed a complaint against Deputy Thierno Alassane Sall in Dakar, accusing him of defamation, spreading false news, and fraudulently obtaining and disclosing banking documents. The company claims Sall's statements, made during a recent press conference, are inaccurate and damaging to its reputation. Sall had alleged that 37 billion CFA francs paid to AEE Power EPC for a rural electrification project were transferred to eight countries. AEE Power EPC disputes these claims, stating that the Spanish judicial proceedings Sall referenced are still in their early stages and that his public comments interfere with an ongoing investigation. The company's legal counsel, Me Patrick Kabou, also accuses Sall of violating investigative secrecy and intentionally harming the company's image and its director.