Senegal Midfielder Pape Gueye Takes Indefinite Break from International Football
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced an indefinite break from international football following the Teranga Lions’ dramatic FIFA World Cup exit to Belgium.
Gueye’s decision comes after Senegal’s agonising 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the round of 32.
He wrote on Instagram that he would not return to the national team while the current technical staff remain in charge.
The 27-year-old midfielder hinted at criticism of the coaching setup without directly mentioning head coach Pape Thiaw.
Senegal’s World Cup Collapse Proves Costly
Senegal appeared to be cruising into the last 16 after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr, but Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute before Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later.
Tielemans then converted a penalty deep into extra time after Lamine Camara conceded a foul in the area.
Substitution Sparks Questions
Gueye, who had returned to the starting lineup after scoring twice off the bench in Senegal’s 5-0 victory over Iraq, was substituted in the 66th minute with his side comfortably leading.
After the match, Thiaw said he believed the midfielder was beginning to tire, but Gueye rejected that explanation.
