Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reserved his warmest praise for captain Sadio Mané after his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq, describing the forward as a role model for African football while also applauding substitute Pape Gueye’s decisive contribution.
Although Mané did not get on the scoresheet, the former Liverpool forward was at the heart of Senegal’s attacking play, constantly troubling Iraq’s defence and helping drive the Lions of Teranga to their biggest-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
Asked about his captain’s performance, Thiaw struggled to find enough words to describe the influence Mané continues to have on the national team.
“I think I could write a book about this player,” the Senegal coach said.
“He does extraordinary things. He is there for the team, he has an impact, he is the technical leader of this team and he also helps us defensively.”
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw says the Teranga Lions can only wait after their emphatic 5-0 win over Iraq left their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes dependent on other results.
Thiaw said Mané’s value extends far beyond goals and assists, pointing instead to his professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment whenever he represents Senegal.
“He is really an example,” he continued.
“He is an example for all African football, even worldwide. Those of us who work with him every day know the kind of person he is and how committed he is to this team.
“For his country, he gives everything for the flag of Senegal.”
Super-sub Gueye delivers when called upon
While Mané provided the leadership, Thiaw singled out substitute Pape Gueye for changing the complexion of the contest after coming off the bench in the second half.
Introduced just before the hour mark, Gueye wasted little time making his presence felt, scoring twice within 12 minutes to put the game beyond Iraq before fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout.
Pape Gueye, Man of the Match for Senegal against Iraq.
The coach revealed the tactical thinking behind Gueye’s introduction, explaining that Senegal anticipated Iraq would defend deep and leave little space around the penalty area.
“We knew Iraq would block the spaces,” Thiaw explained.
“With long-range shots, you can unlock games like that.”
He added that Gueye possesses exactly the qualities needed in those situations.
“Pape has a very good shot. He was motivated and he did very well by scoring twice.
“We have to congratulate him and all his teammates.”
Strength in depth proving decisive
Gueye’s impact was one of several substitutions that transformed the match after an evenly contested first half, underlining the depth available to Thiaw.
Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Pathe Ciss also came off the bench as Senegal overwhelmed a tiring Iraqi side, with Ndiaye adding the fifth goal late in the contest.
READMORE: Pape Thiaw says Senegal learned from France defeat after emphatic Iraq victory
The Senegal coach, however, insisted individual performances should always be viewed within the collective effort.
“I prefer to speak collectively,” he said.
“There are matches, different contexts and tactical decisions. Sometimes the substitutions work and people praise the coach; sometimes they don’t and the coach is criticised.
“That’s football. We make our choices according to the opponent and the circumstances.”
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Despite the convincing victory, Senegal’s qualification hopes remain uncertain, with Thiaw’s side now relying on results elsewhere to determine whether they progress to the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
