Senegal become first African team to beat England with 3-1 Victory
Senegal etched their name into football history by becoming the first African team to defeat England, securing a 3-1 comeback victory in an international friendly at the City Ground, marking Thomas Tuchel’s first loss as England manager.
The match, England’s first at the historic stadium in 80 years, saw the Three Lions take an early lead through Harry Kane, only for the Teranga Lions to respond with three unanswered goals from Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Cheikh Sabaly.
England start strong, but Senegal roar back
England struck early in the 7th minute when Harry Kane pounced on a handling error by Senegal’s Édouard Mendy, slotting the ball into an open net. But Senegal grew into the game and levelled in the 40th minute, with Ismaïla Sarrcapitalizing on a Kyle Walker mistake to convert a low cross from Nicolas Jackson.
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After the break, Senegal upped the tempo and went ahead in the 62nd minute as Habib Diarra slotted the ball through Dean Henderson’s legs, turning the tide firmly in their favour.
VAR Denies England Late Equaliser
England thought they had equalised in the 85th minute via Jude Bellingham, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal due to a handball by Levi Colwill in the build-up. That moment proved pivotal.
Senegal sealed the historic win in added time with a swift counterattack, finished clinically by Cheikh Sabaly, making it 3-1 and extending their unbeaten run to 24 matches.
Early Questions for Tuchel Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
The loss ends England’s perfect record under Tuchel, who had previously won three matches without conceding. The defeat, following a dull 1-0 win over Andorra, has sparked concerns about England’s form ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s a wake-up call,” one England fan noted. “We expected more intensity and cohesion, especially after such a strong start under Tuchel.”
SportsLigue