Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has expressed his disappointment after his team threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 32. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave Senegal a commanding lead before Belgium staged a dramatic comeback in the final five minutes.
Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute before captain Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later and converted a controversial VAR penalty in extra time to complete the comeback.
Thiaw said: “We’re out – it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead. Congratulations to the Belgian team. We have to accept this – that’s football.”
Key Points:
Senegal players and fans face heartbreaking disappointment after leading 2-0
The collapse raises questions about the team’s mental resilience under pressure
African teams have now suffered six eliminations from the tournament
Belgium’s remarkable comeback keeps their World Cup hopes alive
The controversial VAR penalty will be debated long after the game
Senegal exits with heads held high despite the pain. Belgium advances to face the USA in the Round of 16.
Sources: FIFA
