Senegal government hints at extending Pape Thiaw contract

The Senegalese government has revealed their desire to improve salary, and extend the contract of national team coach Pape Thiaw after he guided them team to their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga were crowned African champions following their 1-0 win against the Atlas Lions on January 18 in Rabat. Papa Gueye scored the only goal of the game to help Senegal beat Morocco on home soil.

 

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The final was greeted with ugly scenes in the closing stages when Senegal threatened to abandon the game following a decision to award Morocco a penalty. Senegal and Thiaw have already been sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Thiaw was banned for five matches and handed a fine of USFD 100,000. Despite CAF’s punishment, Senegal through the Ministry of Sports have shown support to coach Thiaw.

“Is there a possibility of a salary increase for the coach? Yes, I confirm it here. He achieved his objectives by qualifying the team for the World Cup and winning the Africa Cup of Nations,” Khady Diene Gaye, Minister of Sports, told Wiwsport.com as quoted by Flashscore.

Senegal to review the initial contract

“You don’t change a winning team, do you? So, we will try to continue with him. And for this continuity, and it is the case to whoever that does great things, achieves great things for the country.”

She added: “We’re going to review the initial contract. There was a clause in his contract that stipulated not just reaching the AFCON final, but winning the cup.

“Since we aspire to win the first world trophy, to be the first African country to win the World Cup, we need to put our coach in optimal conditions for performance, so he can have peace of mind, without financial worries or day-to-day concerns.”

She concluded: “Pape Thiaw is Senegalese, a patriot. He has ardently defended his country, the colors of Senegal. He is our national team coach, so we are all behind him and with him.

“We will do everything in our power, both at the Federation level and at the Ministry of Sports, to defend him. We will not abandon him.”

Thiaw will miss five opening matches for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers but will be available for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.