‘It's A Lack of Respect’ - Why Senegal Coach is Annoyed Ahead of Harambee Stars Clash

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. Photo: CAFOnline

‘It's A Lack of Respect’ - Why Senegal Coach is Annoyed Ahead of Harambee Stars Clash

Joel Omotto 12:17 - 16.11.2025

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has expressed his displeasure at what he considers a lack of respect towards the African giants before their friendly match with Brazil on Saturday.

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw was left fuming after their match against Brazil but it was not because they lost but for something else.

Brazil won 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Chelsea forward Estevao and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro with Senegal outclassed by the five-time world champions.

It was the first of their two pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly matches before they take on Kenya on Tuesday but Thiaw was not impressed by the organisers of the match which was played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London.

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The former Senegal international feels Brazil were given preferential treatment in the match after they were allowed to train at the match venue against an earlier directive issued to both teams.

“This is a heartfelt outcry, and I'm not saying this because of the defeat,” said the 44-year-old.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw

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"However, I feel the organisers did not respect us. They had announced that, on the eve of the match, neither team would train on the stadium pitch, but Brazil trained on the field and we did not." "It's a lack of respect, and that's something I really wanted to highlight,” he continued.

Despite his anger, Thiaw admitted they had lost to the better team although he feels the 2021 African champions should have scored at least one goal.

"When you concede two goals very early in the first half, it is always challenging against that calibre of team,” said Thiaw.

"In the second half, we returned with a better showing and I believe we deserved at least one goal in this fixture."

The loss to Brazil ended Senegal’s long unbeaten run as they had gone 26 matches without tasting defeat.

Senegal will now look to get back to winning ways when they take on Harambee Stars in their second friendly match in Turkey on Tuesday November 18.