Friendly: Senegal outplays England

Africa 10 June 2025 at 18:11

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

On Tuesday, June 10, at Nottingham’s City Ground, the Lions of Teranga proved they can go toe-to-toe with the world’s footballing giants. Up against a favored England side backed by a passionate home crowd, Senegal delivered a performance that will live long in the memory.

A rocky start, an exemplary response

Things got off to a bad start for Pape Thiaw’s men. After just seven minutes, Harry Kane opened the scoring for the Three Lions, capitalizing on a mix-up in the Senegalese defense. England believed they had done the hard part. Little did they know what was coming next.

Senegal, far from discouraged, quickly regrouped. Lamine Camara, at fault for the opening goal, soon settled back into the game. The Lions began to grow into the contest, winning space and disrupting England’s buildup. And in the 40th minute, it was Ismaïla Sarr, perfectly set up by Nicolas Jackson, who calmly slotted past Dean Henderson. 1-1 at halftime. Game on!

A second half under control

Back from the break, Senegal looked even more determined. England kept the ball, but it was Senegal who struck. In the 62nd minute, Habib Diarra pounced on the edge of the box and unleashed a crisp, unstoppable shot. 1-2. Silence among the English supporters.

And then? A tactical masterclass. Senegal stood firm. And in the dying moments, as England pressed for an equalizer, Senegal hit on the counter. Lamine Camara surged down the flank, cut the ball back, and Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly arrived to bury the decisive third (1-3).

A lesson, a source of pride

Beyond the scoreline, it was the manner of the performance that impressed. Against a world-class side, Senegal were solid, smart, and ruthlessly efficient. Three shots on target, three goals. Disciplined defending, lively attacking play, and a united squad.

This friendly might not have had any stakes in the standings, but it spoke volumes about the spirit of this team. Senegal has become a side capable of beating anyone, anywhere.