Senegal's AFCON hero quits national team as long as Thiaw & Co. are in charge

"I will come back to say a few words about the elimination... but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team," said the Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye wrote on his social media following the Lions of Teranga's heartbreaking extra-time 3-2 defeat to Belgium, marking the beginning of the aftermath of the African side's tragic loss.

Unfortunately, his move seems to be just the beginning of what could be a turbulent period ahead for Senegal.

Gueye featured in each of his team's World Cup games, starting matches against France and Norway. In a 5-0 victory against Iraq, he came off the bench in the 57th minute and recorded a brace and an assist in just over half an hour on the pitch.

Senegal's tragedy, Senegal's suicide: Belgium make incredible comeback and advance after extra-time thriller

He was in the XI against Belgium as well, but was subbed off in the 66th minute, and although Gueye was visibly displeased with the manager Pape Thiaw's move, hardly anyone could have seen such a drastic decision coming.

On the one hand, one thing is clear: with the Villarreal midfielder on the pitch, the Lions of Teranga were 2-0 up. Without him, they conceded three goals in about 50 minutes and were eliminated. To make matters worse, the man who replaced him, Lamine Camara, in the end conceded the added-time penalty that knocked Senegal out.

"We're devastated": Diarra's brutal verdict on Senegal's painful World Cup exit

On the other hand, Thiaw's decision to sub Gueye off seems too mild to provoke such a harsh reaction, as the potential conflict between the two may have existed for some time. The defeat against Belgium might have simply brought it into the open.

Either way, Senegal lost a valuable player who made 45 appearances for the national team and scored seven goals, the standout among them being his extra-time winner in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)

/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)

/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/

France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/

Wednesday

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)

/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/

England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)

/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/

Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)

/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/

Thursday

USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)

/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***