CAN 2025: “A derby is won,” Pape Thiaw ahead of Senegal vs Mali
Pape Thiaw spoke about the CAN 2025 quarter-final against Mali. And Senegal’s head coach said his side has come to win this West African derby.
The CAN 2025 quarter-finals open this Friday, notably with a clash between Senegal and Mali. A West African derby where the winner will claim the ticket to the semi-finals. Impressive from the start of the tournament, notably with a display of strength against Sudan (3-1) in the round of 16, the Lions of Teranga go in as favorites against the Eagles who had to go through a penalty shootout to beat Tunisia.
An advantage for Senegal, at least on paper, that its coach intends to realize on the field. Speaking to the press on Thursday at the pre-match press conference, the coach said his players would come to win against the Malians. “This is a match prepared with a lot of respect for Mali. We will face a team that is committed and will pose a physical challenge; it’s up to us to be present. This match will be largely decided on the mental side. It will be a derby. And a derby, that’s how you win,” said Pape Thiaw.
The Senegalese coach, however, took care to warn his players about the opponent’s collective solidity, which has won most of its matches while being a man down: “This is a team that has shown beautiful things. They have played two matches with 10 men and have managed to get results. That’s not nothing. This is a knockout match and we must win. We will implement all that we’ve prepared to go beat this team. In the previous match, they showed solidarity and character. They played only 25 minutes with 11 and spent the rest with 10 up to 120 minutes.” The Senegal-Mali clash is scheduled for Friday at the Grand Stade de Tanger starting at 5:00 PM (GMT+1).
Comments