Sarr
Senegal created football history on Tuesday evening, becoming the first African nation to defeat England in a senior international fixture with a commanding 3-1 victory at the City Ground. The Lions of Teranga overturned an early deficit to extend their unbeaten run to 16 matches, handing Thomas Tuchel his first defeat as England manager.
Referee Stephanie Frappart’s decision to disallow a late England equaliser compounded the Three Lions’ frustration on a night when their West African opponents proved superior in both technique and determination.
England took an early lead through Harry Kane, who converted from close range after Anthony Gordon’s initial shot was spilled by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The breakthrough came just seven minutes into the match, following an early scare when Nicolas Jackson’s low drive was blocked by Dean Henderson’s legs. Despite the promising start, England struggled to maintain their advantage against increasingly confident Senegal attacks.
Ismaïla Sarr equalised for Senegal five minutes before half-time, stealing ahead of Kyle Walker to finish Jackson’s precise cross from the right flank. The Watford winger had earlier tested Henderson with a powerful header that was pushed around the post. Gordon missed a gilt-edged chance at the other end, firing wide from inside the penalty area when well-placed to double England’s lead.
Habib Diarra put Senegal ahead early in the second half, racing onto Kalidou Koulibaly’s long pass before slotting past Henderson with a composed finish. Tuchel responded with a triple substitution, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to regain control of the match. Morgan Gibbs-White and Bukayo Saka both forced excellent saves from Mendy, whilst Jude Bellingham thought he had equalised only for his close-range effort to be ruled out for handball against Levi Colwill.
Cheikh Sabaly completed the scoring in stoppage time, racing clear to finish a counter-attack and confirm Senegal’s historic victory. The result ended England’s 21-match unbeaten run against African nations and gives Tuchel significant concerns ahead of September’s World Cup qualifiers. Senegal’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved too much for an England side still adapting to their new manager’s methods.
