AFCON: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praises Sudan despite exit

Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw described Sudan as a tough opponent after they defeated them to secure qualification to the quarterfinals of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Saturday.

Pape Gueye struck twice as the former champions came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 in Tangier. Aamir Abdallah had given Sudan a shock lead, but Senegal responded with authority, Gueye netting a decisive brace before substitute Ibrahima Mbaye sealed the victory late on.

“We played against this very disciplined Sudan team and they showed that they got to stage by merit. We needed to dig deep to come from a goal down to be able to win the match,” Thiaw told CAF Media.

Senegal to pursue goal with intensity

“I give credit to my players for the way they focused on the game and recovered to win the match. Now we will focus on the next match by correcting some of the mistakes we noted in this game and pursue our goals with intensity.”

Speaking after the Gueye, said: “I am happy to have won the award and obviously it was the collective team effort that led to the award so this is for the entire team. I am very happy about our win and most importantly how we reacted after going down 1-0.

“It was tough to come back but with the determination shown by my colleagues and I we managed to win the game. We are through to the quarter-finals and it will be tougher so we have to prepare for it with the same big focus we have had since the start of the competition.”

Senegal will now face Mali, who eliminated Tunisia in another Round of 16 fixture.