Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has played down concerns about potential player suspensions ahead of his team’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi‑final against Egypt, insisting his squad will focus solely on winning the match and not count yellow cards or risks of missing the final.
In a press briefing ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated showdown, Thiaw emphasized that discipline and performance on the day are his primary concerns, not the possibility of key players being unavailable through accumulated cautions.
“We won’t be counting yellow cards or worrying about suspension threats,” Thiaw said. “The squad is ready. The players will give everything and won’t think about that. The most important thing is to win this match against Egypt.”
Senegal carry several players on the brink of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards – a situation that could impact selection if they advance to the final. According to CAF disciplinary listings, key names walking a disciplinary tightrope include Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly, Habib Diarra, Ibrahim Mbaye, Pape Gueye, Habib Diallo, and Ismail Jakobs.
Despite the potential consequences, Thiaw’s focus remains on preparation and performance, urging his squad to tackle the Egyptian challenge with full intensity and commitment.
Senegal’s semi‑final opponents, Egypt, reached the last four after overcoming defending champions Ivory Coast, setting up a compelling re-match of the 2021 AFCON final between the two nations with Teranga Lions coming out victorious in that match. Egypt boast a record seven AFCON titles, while Senegal seek to add another feather to their solitary continental crown.
Thiaw’s refusal to dwell on disciplinary issues reinforces his message that mentality and tactical execution are paramount, a stance that prioritizes the immediate task of reaching the final over any speculative future scenarios.
Leave feedback about this