Senegal: Some lessons of the defeat by the USA
Original public source text. It may contain French even on an English source page. This is not a reviewed English translation. Recovered images and media appear below when available.
Image unavailable.
All original articlesIn Charlotte, Senegal played their first match to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Against the United States, the Lions lost 3-2. At the end of this match, Pape Thiaw was able to draw several lessons.
One of the strong nations in Africa, Senegal is going to the 2026 World Cup with real intentions. For Pape Gueye, the Lions have this ability to clinch the final victory. To possibly lift this trophy on July 19, the Senegalese selection still has some adjustments to make. Some flaws were very visible during the friendly match against the United States. Individually, however, a few players managed to stand out.
A very brittle defense
Image unavailable.
The defense is one of the strengths of the Senegalese national team. As proof, they conceded only two goals in seven games at the 2025 AFCON. Against the United States, this post was the Lions' weak point with 3 goals conceded. It has been greatly revised, especially along the axis with Mamadou Sarr and Abdoulaye Seck. There was no agreement between the five behind: the centre Mamadou Sarr - Abdoulaye Seck, the right back Krépin Diatta, the left-back Ismail Jakobs and the goalkeeper Mory Diaw. Moustapha Mbow’s entry was not convincing. The Paris FC player made several individual mistakes, including one that led to third goal. This experimental defense chosen by Pape Thiaw did not work.
Ismail Jakobs, Galatasaray’s left-back, didn’t score any points. He was not sovereign in the duels and was each time overtaken by the combinations of the Americans on the right, especially during the breakthroughs of Sergino Dest. He was replaced in the 46th minute by El Hadji Malick Diouf. The latter achieved a very strong performance with good crosses for the forwards.
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, boss-like service
Image unavailable.
A revelation for Bayern Munich, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye was called up for the first time with the Lions. The young midfielder put on a Dantesque performance to win in order to be part of Senegal’s final list for the 2026 World Cup.
The 18-year-old player was in all the right strokes. Present at the recovery, the Bayern Munich midfielder impressed with his ball exits. He played the role of a real box-to-box, while displaying his technical qualities. The player trained at Gambinos Stars Africa positions himself as the successor of Idrissa Gana Gueye. Against Team USA, the Bavarian was a real confidence in front of the defense.
Sadio Mané already in shape
Image unavailable.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup due to an injury, Sadio Mané is determined to shine at the 2026 World Cup. Despite his 34 years, the Al Nassr player remains the offensive leader of the Lions. Very dynamic on his left side and in all the good moves, he scored a double before giving up his place in the 59th minute for Assane Diao. He stayed on his beautiful dynamic of the last African Cup of Nations. He is ready to carry his country to go as far as possible in the competition.
Sadio Mané could have performed better if he had been helped in the attack by his friends; Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye. The latter were very average and this situation is worrying 15 days (June 16) before Senegal’s first outing in Group I of the 2026 World Cup against the French team.
Before the clash with France, the Lions will play a second friendly match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 9 June.