CAN 2025 - Senegal: Pape Thiaw expresses his frustration after the draw against DR Congo

The Senegalese coach criticizes his team's inability to finish the match earlier.

Pape Thiaw - Senegal (Photo : @_BeFootball / X)

The Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a 1-1 draw this Saturday at the Grand Stade de Tanger in the second round of Group D at CAN 2025. After the Congolese took the lead, the Lions clawed their way back to equalize thanks to Sadio Mané, but Pape Thiaw emphasized his side's lack of attacking efficiency.

The Lions saw their opponents take the advantage in the 61st minute through Cédric Bakambu, who capitalized on a well-worked move by the Leopards. Eight minutes later, Ibrahim Mbaye launched a sharp attack that resulted in Sadio Mané's equalizer. In the post-match press conference, Pape Thiaw made no secret of his disappointment, describing the match as frustrating for Senegal.

"The result is a bit frustrating. We could have killed off the game in the first half, but we didn't. What I really appreciated was the reaction of my players after conceding the goal—it was a positive sign. Next time, we need to know how to finish games earlier, that's the best way to secure the result. We will keep working to turn our chances into goals and improve in that area. In football, scoring makes all the difference, and that's what we'll focus on for the next match," said the Senegalese coach.