World Cup (Q): Thiaw praises Senegal’s discipline in dramatic win over DR Congo

Senegal national team head coach Pape Thiaw says his charges heeded the instructions given to them to come out victorious in their critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The Lions of Teranga rallied from behind to defeat DR Congo 3-2 in Kinshasa.

It looked a difficult task for the one-time African champions, but their experience and zeal helped them to come from DR Congo with three precious points as they eye a fourth World Cup appearance.

Thiaw said the team listened to the instructions even after going two goals down. “We were facing a good Congolese team. When we were behind, we never wanted to expose ourselves. Even when we were attacking, we always kept our defensive balance. We stayed calm and continued with our game plan. The goal we scored before the break also did us a lot of good. We talked in the locker room and the boys listened to our instructions. And when we came back, we played behind the defense and it paid off.”

Senegal now tops Group B with 18 points, two ahead of DR Congo. They can achieve qualification for the World Cup in the coming round.

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