Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw remains hopeful that his side can still reach the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup despite suffering back-to-back defeats in Group I.
The Lions of Teranga entered the tournament in North America with high expectations but have endured a difficult start.
After opening their campaign with a 3-1 loss to France, Senegal were edged 3-2 by Norway in a thrilling encounter on Monday, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
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Reflecting on the defeat, Thiaw acknowledged the quality of the Norwegian side and admitted that key moments in the game worked against his team.
“It was a very challenging match against a strong Norwegian team that constantly put us under pressure and made the most of their opportunities,” he said.
The Senegal coach pointed to the timing of the goals conceded as a major setback, with Norway striking just before the break and again shortly after the restart.
“Those goals came at crucial moments and made our task much more difficult.
Credit must go to Norway, but I have encouraged my players to keep believing because it was not an easy game.”
Thiaw revealed that Senegal had entered the match determined to secure all three points but were ultimately left empty-handed.
“We came here aiming for a positive result and wanted to leave with three points, but unfortunately that was not the outcome.”
The result means Norway and France, both on six points, have already secured qualification to the Round of 32.
Senegal’s only remaining path forward is to finish among the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
To keep that dream alive, the West Africans must defeat Iraq in their final group match in Toronto on Friday and hope other results work in their favour.
Despite the difficult situation, Thiaw insists Senegal’s campaign is far from over.
“We still have one game left to play, and our full focus is now on that match.
“We have to go out there, win the three points, and then see where that leaves us.”
The coach also rejected suggestions that the tournament has already been a failure for Senegal.
“It is too early to say we have failed.
“We are in a difficult position, and yes, this is the first time Senegal has started a World Cup with two defeats.
“But we are still alive and still have a chance.”
Thiaw believes that reaching the knockout stage would offer his side an opportunity for a fresh start.
“If we can make it through, then a new competition begins.
“Our objective now is simple: win the last game and give ourselves a chance.”
