Senegal’s national team coach, Pape Thiaw, has lauded Algeria’s organization of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament while expressing disappointment with the circumstances surrounding a recent match. Thiaw’s comments highlight a stark contrast in his experiences, praising the Algerian hospitality and efficiency while seemingly alluding to issues elsewhere.
Speaking at a press conference, Thiaw referenced the 2022 CHAN final held in Algeria, where Senegal emerged victorious against the home side in a penalty shootout. He emphasized the positive atmosphere and smooth operation of the tournament, stating, “We played the CHAN final with Algeria, and it went in excellent conditions.”
“The organization was remarkable,” Thiaw continued. “We were in a great situation with the local team, and everything went well.” He specifically praised the welcoming environment and the seamless coordination that allowed his team to focus on their performance.
However, Thiaw’s tone shifted when addressing a separate incident, expressing regret and frustration. “You saw what happened yesterday… I prefer not to speak about it. Our federation has said everything. There are things outside of football that don’t encourage you to do similar things. This harms the image of African football.” While he refrained from explicitly detailing the events, his words strongly suggest dissatisfaction with the treatment his team received.
Thiaw’s remarks serve as a powerful endorsement of Algeria’s capabilities in hosting major sporting events, while also raising concerns about standards elsewhere. The coach’s perspective offers valuable insight into the importance of proper organization and fair treatment in ensuring a positive experience for all participants and upholding the integrity of African football. DZWatch will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
