On the eve of a crucial match, Pape Thiaw spoke at a press conference with clarity and determination. The national coach emphasized the need to approach this duel with the utmost seriousness, while also highlighting the significant progress made by their Congolese opponents.

Looking back on the previous encounter against the DRC, won away after a dramatic comeback, Pape Thiaw was keen to put this earlier success into perspective: "It's true that the previous match against the DRC, at their home ground, ended in a great victory, with what you could call a comeback. But in football, these are two different matches and two different competitions."

For the Senegalese coach, there's no question of resting on his laurels. The approach remains consistent: to move forward with humility and method. He reiterated the team's philosophy since the start of the competition: "We came into this competition with the idea of taking each match as it comes. Today, we're progressing step by step."

A clear-sighted analysis of the opponent

Pape Thiaw is not underestimating his opponent. According to him, the Democratic Republic of Congo has shown clear progress since their last encounter: "The DRC is a team that has evolved a lot. It's up to us to build on what we did well, add new elements to destabilize them, and above all, avoid repeating what they did against us."

When questioned about the physical and mental preparation of his players, the coach sought to reassure them. For him, the level of expectation remains the same, regardless of the immediate stakes: "For us, every match is important, whether it's tomorrow's, the one we just played, or those to come. We prepare for them all with the same seriousness."

After a thorough tactical analysis of the opponent, Pape Thiaw expressed confidence in his team's chances: "We know it will be a good match and a difficult one. But we are ready, well-prepared, and equipped to go for this victory."