Who is Pape Thiaw, really? Behind the former international player and current coach of the Lions lies a man of conviction, a leader of men, and a passionate football fan. This is the portrait that El Amine Ndiaye, director of the NOISY DIGITAL agency, sought to paint in his documentary "The Lion's Lair," which offers an inside look at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations from the perspective of someone who experienced and won it. The director revisits the behind-the-scenes aspects of this production, the key moments shared alongside the coach, and the ambitions that guided this unique project.

How did the idea to make this film about the Lions of Teranga come about?

It's important to make this clear from the outset: this isn't a film about the players, but primarily about the coach. Most sports documentaries focus on the locker room and the team dynamic. As Pape Thiaw's communications manager and director of the NOISY DIGITAL agency, we chose to tell this story from his perspective. The documentary takes the form of a true personal diary of the national team coach. He tells his story himself, in his own words, expressing his emotions and his own sensibilities.

Why was Pape Thiaw specifically highlighted?

Because he is the true architect of this group. He is one of those who believed in this adventure from day one. The general public knows the former player, but few people truly knew what kind of coach he had become. This film allows us to discover the tactician, the leader, and the man behind the team's successes.

How long did the preparation and execution of the project take?

Filming took place over two weeks, starting with the second round of the competition. However, post-production required more than three months of work. We had to adapt the narrative as we went along to accurately reflect the coach's psychological and athletic evolution during the tournament.

How did the filming go with the players and staff?

Very good. The players were cooperative, and the staff quickly understood that our presence wouldn't disrupt their work. Even though we didn't have full access to the group's private life in order to preserve their bubble, we benefited from a privileged immersion, much more in-depth than that usually granted to the press.

Did you experience any particularly memorable or difficult moments during the making of the film?

The main frustration was not having permanent access to the changing rooms. In a documentary, certain moments of joy, doubt, or disappointment are essential to conveying emotion. Despite this limitation, we managed to create an authentic film that captures the essence of this adventure.

Recent news has been marked by the controversy surrounding Pape Thiaw's contract situation. How did you experience this?

It's important to remember that this issue didn't arise at the time of the Africa Cup of Nations. During the tournament, Pape Thiaw had no contract problems and his attention was entirely focused on the team's sporting objectives. What struck me most was his total commitment and his ability to remain focused on the team's success. The debates surrounding his situation emerged later, but during the tournament, his sole concern was leading Senegal as far as possible.

Pape Thiaw has sometimes made strong decisions throughout his career. What do they say about his personality?

They show that he is a man of principle who doesn't cheat. The documentary also highlights his evolution: he begins the tournament with great ambition and gradually becomes more pragmatic. We experienced an exceptional adventure, but some events that occurred in the lead-up to the final felt unfair. The accumulation of these frustrations may have pushed him to react, because he refuses to be taken advantage of.

Do you think he will be able to stay focused on his sporting goals despite his disagreements with the Federation?

Without a doubt. Pape Thiaw is one of the greatest patriots I know. He is deeply committed to Senegal and Africa. As long as it remains tolerable, he will always put the interests of his community and his country before his own personal interests.

How did the players and the coach react upon seeing the film?

I haven't yet received any direct feedback from the players. However, several of the coach's close associates were deeply moved by reliving this experience. As for Pape Thiaw, he was touched every time he watched it. The film acts as a mirror, allowing him to appreciate how far he's come.

What do you hope fans will take away from this documentary?

My primary goal was to reveal the man behind the role. I would like the Senegalese people to discover a skilled technician, a charismatic leader, and a true builder. Pape Thiaw is more than just a memorable moment or a player's memory: he is now a great coach.

Do you have any other projects related to Senegalese football?

This is my first documentary of this format, although I've already produced numerous films for NGOs and international institutions. This experience has inspired me to delve deeper into sports cinema. What fascinates me is the human dimension of performance: the emotions, the sacrifices, and the mindset. I particularly aspire to create a project around the next World Cup. But that will depend on the realities of production. To be continued.

Interview conducted by Ndeye Astou Konaté