Disappointment spreads among Senegalese players after World Cup loss-Xinhua

Disappointment spreads among Senegalese players after World Cup loss

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2026-07-02 19:24:30

NEW YORK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Frustration and anger were evident among Senegal's players after their painful exit from the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup with a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in a match they had looked to have under control.

Senegal led 2-0 through goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr before Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for Belgium in the 86th minute.

Three minutes later, Youri Tielemans made it 2-2, and Belgium completed the comeback with a penalty in the closing minutes of extra time.

After the match on Wednesday, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye made his anger clear with a message on social media in which he refused to play again for his country while Pape Thiaw remains as coach.

"I will come back later to say some words about our elimination, but today I am announcing that while this technical staff remains in charge, I will take a rest from the national team," wrote the 27-year-old on Instagram.

Gueye, who plays for La Liga side Villarreal, is a key player for Senegal, and it was a surprise to see him substituted in the 66th minute, a decision that meant he had to watch the collapse from the dugout.

"I feel perfectly good, I was physically fine, it's the coach who decides," he told reporters in the mixed zone after the defeat.