.svg.png){kind=logo}
Pape Thiaw has reflected on Senegal’s disappointing defeat to Senegal in their Round of 32 encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports.
The Terangha Lions threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Rudi Garcia’s side.
Habib Diarra gave Thiaw’s side the lead five minutes before the half hour mark, tapping home from inside the box after Ismaila Sarr header hit the woodwork.
Senegal added a second after the break courtesy of a fine finish from Sarr.
Centre-back Moussa Niakhate fired a precise long ball which Sarr was able to bring down with his chest as he broke past the Belgium centre-backs, before firing past Thibaut Courtois.
Read Also:World Cup 2026: Belgium Stage Dramatic Comeback To Edge Out Senegal In Five-Goal Thriller
Belgium rallied in the last five minutes with substitute Romelu Lukaku reducing the deficit.
Captain Youri Tielemans then scored two late goals to fire Belgium into the Round of 16 where they will face co-hosts United States of America.
Thiaw Rues Senegal’s Ouster
Thiaw was disappointed that his side failed to protect their two-goal lead.
“We’re out – it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead,” Thiaw was quoted by FIFA.com.
“Congratulations to the Belgian team, who have gone through. We have to accept this – that’s football.”
By Adeboye Amosu
