Senegal Stuns England with Comeback victory in Friendly Match

Updated June 10, 2025

Senegal delivered a stunning 3-1 victory over England in a friendly match at the City Ground in Nottingham. The Lions of Teranga⁣ mounted ⁢a comeback, marking the frist time an ⁢African team has defeated England in any competition.

Harry Kane initially put England⁣ ahead,⁢ capitalizing on a rebound in the seventh ⁤minute after Edouard Mendy spilled Anthony Gordon’s shot. However, Senegal responded with Ismaila Sarr equalizing in the 40th ‍minute, followed by⁢ Habib Diarra’s go-ahead⁢ goal in ⁣the 62nd minute.Cheikh Sabaly⁢ sealed the victory with a counter-attack goal in stoppage time.

Diarra’s decisive goal came from a long ball by Kalidou⁣ Koulibaly, which he slotted past Dean Henderson. ⁤Sabaly’s late goal⁤ further cemented Senegal’s historic win.

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, expressed his disappointment, citing a lack of activity⁣ from his team until they were trailing 2-1.

“yeah ⁣of course, it’s a disappointing result. Not sure⁣ if we did not deserve a little bit more result-wise. ⁤Felt a bit frozen, not active enough for a long time over the match,”⁢ Tuchel ⁤said.

tuchel had ‍made 10 changes to the lineup following a win against Andorra. Dean henderson replaced Jordan Pickford in goal, and he initially made crucial saves. However, Senegal’s increased passion and fight in the second half proved ⁢decisive.

After Diarra’s goal, England showed⁤ signs of life, with Morgan‍ Gibbs-White and Bukayo Saka ⁢creating ⁢chances. A late goal by Jude Bellingham ⁤was disallowed ⁣for ⁣a handball, adding to England’s⁢ frustration.

What’s next

England will now focus on World Cup Qualifying,facing Andorra⁤ at Villa⁣ Park on Saturday,Sept. 6, followed⁢ by‍ a match against Serbia ⁢on Tuesday, Sept. ⁤9.