- Senegal made history on Tuesday night when they became the first African country to secure victory over England
- England had previously played 21 times against African countries, winning 15 times and recording 6 draws
The England vs Senegal showdown ended in a shocking upset for England and a historic moment for African football. Under the guidance of head coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal became the first African country to secure victory over England in a football match.
From the moment they arrived in England, Senegal had set their sights firmly on a victory. Four of Senegal’s starting XI at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground play in the English Premier League. Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy also have history in England as they previously played for Chelsea before moving to the Saudi Pro League.
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Getting into action, the Lions of Teranga conceded first when Harry Kane tapped home Anthony Gordon’s shot that had been parried away by Mendy to give his country an early lead. However, a well taken strike by Ismaila Sarr shortly before the break ensured Senegal found a way back into the match.
Habib Diarra gave Pape Thiaw’s side the lead shortly after the hour mark and things remained tight until the last minutes of the game. Jude Bellingham thought he had levelled the scores for England with a few minutes left but his goal was ruled out for a handball by Levi Colwill in the buildup.
Cheikh Sabaly then sealed Senegal’s win by scoring a richly deserved third goal for the visitors at the City Ground in stoppage time.
England had previously played 21 times against African countries, winning 15 times and recording 6 draws. The Three Lions came close to losing for the first time in 1990 during a friendly against Tunisia but a strike in the 89th minute by Steve Bull earned them a draw.
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The last time England lost to a country that was not from Europe was in 2003 when Australia beat them 3-1 at Upton Park. The Three Lions new head coach Thomas Tuchel has started feeling the heat especially after England vs Senegal clash as fans started showing their frustrations when the visitors scored the third goal.
The sound of fury was heard all over the stadium as fans expressed their displeasure in Tuchel’s team. The German officially started taking charge of England men’s team in January 2025 and has led them to four matches. On Tuesday evening, the England team together with coach Tuchel were booed off by fans at City Ground.
Why Sadio Mane Missed The England Vs Senegal Match?
Senegal recorded the historic 3-1 win over England without their star Sadio Mane. The Al Nassr forward requested to be left out of the squad to face England due to personal reasons.
According to talkSPORT, Mane excused himself due to the extensive criticism and online abuse he recently faced after failing to score during the international friendlies in March.
“A lot is said about me and I think I’m the most criticized player in Senegal. I don’t have a problem with it. Everyone is free to give their opinion. But there must be better things to do than criticize Sadio Mane. What does it even get you?” Sadio Mane is quoted by talkSPORT.
This is the second time Mane has missed an England vs Senegal match. The 33-year-old didn’t play when his country clashed with the Three Lions in the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He missed the game due to an ankle injury he had sustained shortly after joining Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich from Liverpool.
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The result also showed how much Senegal has improved on the world stage in the last ten years. Since winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, the Lions of Teranga have steadily built a reputation as one of the most organized and disciplined national teams in world football.
Even without Sadio Mane, the team showed depth, composure and tactical understanding against one of Europe’s biggest football nations.
Head coach Pape Thiaw praised his players after the final whistle, stating that the victory was a reward for their collective effort and mentality. He emphasized that the team did not come to England simply to compete but to prove they could challenge and defeat top-ranked opponents. Senegal was tight on defense and dangerous on counterattack, which troubled England during the game.
For England, the defeat raised concerns about defensive organization and finishing. Although the Three Lions created chances in the first half, they struggled to maintain control once Senegal equalized.
The midfield started losing battles, and the defense line looked weak against speed and swift changes. Fans thought there would be a response after halftime, but Senegal’s physical play and pressing made it hard for England to be creative.
Several England players admitted after the match that the team must improve quickly, especially with important international fixtures approaching. The pressure on Thomas Tuchel is already growing, as fans want clearer identity and consistency in performances. His tactical adjustments during the match did not have the desired effect, and Senegal managed the closing stages of the game more confidently.
The atmosphere at the City Ground also played a role. While the home supporters initially created a strong backing for England, frustration gradually replaced optimism as the match slipped away. When the final whistle blew, the noise in the stadium was more about disappointment than celebration.
For Senegalese fans around the world, however, the victory was celebrated widely. The win was seen as a proud moment not only for the country but for African football as a whole. African sides can compete with and beat conventional football powers on equal ground, as shown by their win against England away from home.
The Lions of Teranga will now look to build on this result as they prepare for upcoming continental and World Cup qualification matches. Confidence within the squad is high, and performances like this could strengthen their belief that they can challenge for major international honours in the near future.
