Pape Thiaw: It hurts, but we must congratulate the team

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw commented on his team's 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

The African side held a 2-0 lead until the 86th minute but conceded an equalizer, sending the match into extra time. Belgium secured the winning goal in the 125th minute, with Youri Tielemans converting a penalty kick.

"I don't want to comment on the referee's decision. It hurts, but we must congratulate the team, who gave their all. We failed to manage our two-goal lead effectively. Everyone can have their own opinion on the penalty; I don't want to dwell on it," Thiaw stated.

"We had physical issues; some players were exhausted, which forced us to make substitutions. We have to accept it; that's football," the Senegal coach added.