“Well done Tiau!” “Is Coulibaly from Senegal?” Norway’s disaster has sparked outrage

Senegal face the specter of an early exit from the 2026 World Cup after their second consecutive 3-2 defeat by Norway, a defeat that left the Lions of Teranga in an awkward position ahead of a crucial final game against Iraq and sparked criticism of defender Kalidou Koulibau and the coach.

According to website Foot Mercato, Koulibaly was rated below 10 after a disastrous performance described as “the worst of his career” as he claimed responsibility for three goals with serious defensive errors starting in the fourth minute against star player Erling Holland before he was substituted in the 72nd minute.

Senegal set a negative precedent by losing two straight in the group stage for the first time in four World Cup appearances after losing 3-1 to France in the opener, despite entering the tournament in high spirits after winning the African Nations title last January.

Midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye expressed his disappointment saying: “It’s a very bad result, but we still have one match left. We have to rest and prepare well,” while Ismaila Sar, who scored both of his team’s goals, had no words to express his frustration.

Criticism was leveled at coach Thiau, who received the same accolade after he surprised everyone by fielding the same squad that lost to France, and his insistence on keeping Koulibaly despite his disastrous first-half performance in decisions described as “difficult to understand” and “lacking enthusiasm”.

Defense attorney Ishmael Jacobs tried to ease the pressure on his colleague, saying: “We all make mistakes, it’s the team that loses, not one person.” But Senegalese fans slammed the X platform as one of them quipped: “Bravo, Coulibaly, thank you, Pape Thiau,” while another asked. “Are you sure Coulibaly is Senegalese?”

Internal crises have cast a shadow over Senegal’s camp over Thiau’s precarious contract situation and the failure to hand out qualification bonuses to players, although the coach and his assistant Mauri Diau deny its impact on the pitch as the team faces a crucial match that could decide whether it survives or ends the tournament early.