Senegal’s national team was rocked by its elimination by Belgium in the World Cup Round of 32, with Pape Gueye announcing that he is leaving the team for as long as the current coaching staff remains in charge.

The 27-year-old midfielder announced his decision via an Instagram post, just hours after the 3-2 loss in extra time that knocked the “Lions of Teranga” out of the tournament.

“I’ll be back to say a few words about our elimination, but I’m announcing today that as long as this coaching staff remains in place, I’ll be taking a break from the national team,” he stated emphatically.

The tension appears to have stemmed from national team coach Pape Tiaho’s decision to substitute Gey in the 66th minute of the match, at a time when Senegal was leading 2-0. After his departure, the team collapsed, conceded three goals, and was eliminated in extra time.

After the match, Tiao claimed that the substitutions were made due to the players’ extreme fatigue and physical problems. However, Gueye publicly contradicted his coach, emphasizing that he was fully ready to continue.

“I was in great physical shape; no one came to ask me how I was feeling. You’ll have to ask the coach about my substitution,” he said in the mixed zone, with these developments foreshadowing significant turmoil in the Senegalese camp following their painful elimination.

*photo source: AP