🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw opts for a younger squad against Iraq
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw is making significant changes to the starting lineup for the crucial match against Iraq, opting for a younger team. Following two defeats, the "Lions" aim to regain victory with renewed freshness and dynamism. Key players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Nicolas Jackson, who have been regular starters, might begin on the bench due to recent performance scrutiny. The proposed changes include Mamadou Sarr in central defense, Habib Diarra returning to midfield, and the potential start of young Ibrahim Mbaye in attack. The probable lineup features Mory Diaw as goalkeeper; Krépin Diatta, Moussa Niakhaté, Mamadou Sarr, and El Hadji Malick Diouf in defense; Pathé Ciss, Lamine Camara, and Habib Diarra in midfield; and Ismaïla Sarr, Sadio Mané, and Ibrahim Mbaye in attack.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Senegalese artist and producer Baba Hamdy has addressed an open letter to national coach Pape Thiaw, emphasizing the psychological well-being of players ahead of a crucial World Cup 2026 match for the Lions. Hamdy, who states his message is driven by respect and love for his country, highlights the importance of a human approach in sports management to enhance team performance. He clarifies that he is writing as a citizen and not as a football expert, acknowledging Thiaw's legitimacy as coach. Hamdy stresses that modern football is played not only on the field but also "in the players' minds, in their confidence, in their emotional state, in their sense of belonging, and in how they feel considered." He urges the coach to prioritize the human and mental dimensions of the team, believing that player confidence and well-being are critical in decisive moments.
Senegal's national football team, the Lions of Teranga, faces potential elimination from the 2026 World Cup after two consecutive losses, placing them last in Group I with zero points and a -3 goal difference. Their fate is no longer in their own hands as they prepare to play Iraq. Widespread anxiety among supporters has led many to track other group results, hoping Senegal can qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Amidst this concern, an Algerian fan named Lyece, a fervent supporter of the Lions, shared a message of hope. Lyece recalled instances where the team overcame adversity, such as a 3-2 comeback victory in Kinshasa after being down 2-0, and their mental resilience in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. He emphasized the team's history of resilience and self-transcendence, stating that the Lions thrive on adversity and often perform best when considered condemned. This message is circulating widely on social media ahead of the decisive match against Iraq, as many Senegalese fans still believe in a heroic turnaround.
Must ReadA proposed constitutional amendment in Senegal, currently under commission review, is generating significant discussion regarding the balance of power between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The amendments focus on two key areas: the motion of censure and the dissolution of the National Assembly. The first amendment to Article 86 would limit motions of censure to two per year, one during the ordinary session and one during an extraordinary session. Proponents argue this promotes institutional stability, while critics suggest it reduces parliamentary oversight. The second amendment to Article 87 would restrict the President's power to dissolve the National Assembly to a single instance per mandate. This aims to prevent repeated use of this tool but raises questions about handling future political crises after a dissolution has occurred. Deputy Adama Diallo introduced these amendments, which were adopted by all present deputies except Abdou Mbow. Mbow criticized the changes, warning of a potential shift towards a "dictatorial and fascist" system. The reform is being interpreted by some as a sign of institutional tension between the President and Prime Minister, despite both emerging from the same political movement. The debate will continue in a plenary session, where political dynamics could further evolve.