Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has admitted that the Teranga Lions lost control of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Belgium after failing to maintain their intensity while protecting a two-goal lead.
Senegal were in a commanding position at 2-0, but ultimately suffered a dramatic collapse as Belgium fought back to win 3-2, sealing a place in the Round of 16 and ending the African champions’ tournament run.
Speaking after the defeat, Thiaw pointed to a shift in mentality after Senegal went ahead, suggesting that the team’s decision to sit deeper proved costly.
“We had the match in hand, we were winning 2-0, and then we backed off a little bit towards the end; we wanted to hold onto the score. Once we conceded the 2-1, we retreated even more and they scored their second goal.”
He added that the coaching staff attempted to restore belief and energy on the touchline as Belgium’s momentum grew, but the psychological impact of the first concession proved difficult to reverse.
“It wasn’t easy; we tried to lift their spirits and bring more energy to the team. It’s not easy because they gave it their all; we wanted to qualify for the people.”
Thiaw’s assessment highlights the emotional and tactical unraveling that followed Senegal’s strong start, as Belgium capitalised on their opponents’ growing caution to complete one of the most dramatic comebacks of the tournament.
The defeat brings Senegal’s World Cup campaign to a painful end, leaving questions over game management and mentality in high-pressure knockout situations as the team looks ahead to future international challenges.
