'Playing at Aviva Stadium is a privilege'- Senegal coach Pape Thiaw
- Omna Taddele
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said they are ready to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The one-time African champions will be without star player Sadio Mané, who was excluded from the squad in a surprising decision taken by Thiaw.
According to Wiwsport, Thiaw said his charges are ready for the friendly match. “Things are going very well within the team. The atmosphere is good, as is the spirit. We're ready to play this match. We know we're the first African team to play in this stadium (Aviva Stadium); it's a privilege. We'll do everything we can to put on a good performance and win this match.”
The Teranga Lions will face England in the next game, but Thiaw wants to focus more on the Ireland encounter, suggesting the priority is performing well against the European side.
“We are preparing well for Ireland; it is an important match for us because it can help us in the future. Then we will see how we proceed against England.”
Senegal are second in Group B of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying from the African region with 12 points, one point behind leaders DR Congo. Thiaw hopes these two high-profile friendlies will help the West African nation be in the best possible condition when September's World Cup qualifiers begin.
