Senegal coach Thiaw not surprised by semis appearance

The coach for the Local Teranga Lions of Senegal Pape Thiaw has stated that he is not surprised by his side's results at the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria.

The Teranga Lions edged Mauritania 1-0 at the 19 May 1956 stadium in Annaba on Friday to book a semi-final slot.

Lamine Camara scored the goal from the spot to hand his side a return to the last four for the first time since 2009 but coach Thiaw says the results are not strange.

"I will like to congratulate Mauritania. They did well in this game. We played against a good team Mauritania and I hope our people back home are proud of us," said Thiaw.

"Our results are not a surprise because we know what we are made of. Today we showed character and I appreciate the boys. Senegal with this status of African champions wherever we go people expect more. We came here with boys hungry to deliver so am not surprised.

Senegal finally had third time luck from the penalty spot, after previously failing to convert from 12 yards twice in the group stage.

"I prefer we scored the penalty today and miss the other ones. I kept confidence in the same player and today it paid off. We are going step by step but from tomorrow we travel and the attention is completely switched to going all the way."

The 41-year-old coach is leading Senegal to the semi-final for the first time in 14 years, but says their recent success is a result of collective efforts from all Senegalese.

"It's not about me, this is about our nation. Today my satisfaction comes from the fact that Senegalese teams are all doing well. This team has character though the boys are still young."