Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has revealed why his team took a ruthless approach in their emphatic 8-0 victory over Kenya during a friendly match in Turkey. The Teranga Lions delivered a dominant performance from the opening whistle, recording their biggest-ever international win and leaving the Harambee Stars completely overwhelmed.
Despite Kenya being considered a less formidable opponent, Thiaw opted to field a full-strength squad featuring some of Senegal’s most influential players. His decision, he explained, was deliberate and driven by clear objectives. Senegal were coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to Brazil, and Thiaw wanted his squad to respond decisively, regain confidence, and sharpen their competitive edge ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The coach emphasized that his players had strict instructions to treat the match with utmost seriousness. According to him, preparation for a major tournament requires consistency, discipline, and the right mentality, regardless of the opposition. He praised his team for sticking to the game plan, maintaining intensity, and executing the tactical instructions exactly as required.
Thiaw also viewed the match as an ideal opportunity to test new tactical variations. Senegal started with a back three featuring Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Seck, and debutant Mamadou Sarr—an unfamiliar setup for a team traditionally known for its back four. Thiaw pointed out that entering a major tournament with only one system is risky. Different opponents require different responses, and AFCON often presents rapidly changing scenarios. The coach expressed satisfaction with how his players adapted, noting that they had worked on the new formation only once but executed it with intelligence and commitment.
Beyond the scoreline, Thiaw was encouraged by the fluidity, combinations, and understanding among his players—key elements he hopes to refine before Senegal travels to Morocco for AFCON 2025. Senegal, who were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the previous tournament, are determined to reclaim the crown they last won in 2021. They will face Botswana, DR Congo, and Benin in Group D.
For Thiaw, the match against Kenya was not about delivering a record-breaking score. It was about restoring belief, enforcing discipline, and preparing for continental glory. The eight goals, he insisted, were simply the result of a team committed to taking every assignment seriously ahead of a crucial championship campaign.
