With a remarkable 3-1 comeback victory at the City Ground in Nottingham on Tuesday night, Senegal became the first African nation to defeat England in 22 games.
To win, the visitors, under the direction of coach Pape Thiaw, displayed remarkable talent and tenacity.
Harry Kane, gave England the lead early on when Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy mishandled Anthony Gordon’s attempt.
Ismaila Sarr equalized shortly before halftime, but Senegal rallied and regained control of the game. The game was changed by Sarr’s header, which he hammered into the net from a close angle.
Senegal maintained their dominance after the restart, and their lead was further cemented just after the hour mark thanks to a goal by Habib Diarra.
The England goalkeeper had no chance after Diarra’s precise finish went between Dean Henderson’s knees.
Mendy produced vital stops to maintain Senegal’s advantage despite England’s late push, including an incredible stop from Bukayo Saka.
Cheikh Sabaly calmly completed a counterattack to give Senegal the victory in stoppage time after a late England effort was disallowed for handball.
The triumph stopped the Three Lions’ 21-game winning streak over African teams and was Senegal’s first-ever victory over England.
This victory also extended Senegal’s winning streak to a specific number of games; their previous defeat was in January 2024, when they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties at the Afcon last-16 round.
