Without being brilliant, the Lions of Senegal provided the essentials by beating Malawi (4-0). For Pape Bouna Thiaw’s first on the bench, the Lions scored four goals without conceding a single one. Although today’s opponent was relatively limited, Kalidou Koulibaly and his partners delivered a decent performance. Author of Senegal’s second goal, his 45? in 109 caps, Sadio Mané has shown that he remains the technical leader of the team. Often criticized for his clumsiness, Nicholas Jackson, who celebrated his 17th? selection, took advantage of the offensive festival to score his first goal for the national team.
Seny Dieng: 5/10
In a match completely dominated by Senegal, the Middlesbrough goalkeeper had a quiet evening. As proof, he had to wait several minutes before touching his first ball. Even if he did not have the opportunity to shine in this match largely controlled by the Lions, Sény Dieng displayed great serenity in his kicking game.
Formosa Mendy: 3/10
Established on the right flank, Formose Mendy was ghostly during the first 45 minutes. Little used on the defensive level, the Lorient defender was however non-existent on the offensive level, missing all his attempts. He was logically replaced by Habib Diarra, who tried to provide more solutions on the right side.
Kalidou Koulibaly : 6/10
Facing harmless Malawian attackers, the Lions captain had a quiet evening defensively. Solid and fair in his interventions, he remained focused throughout the match, leaving the opposing attackers no chance. On the offensive side, he made two good openings towards his teammates, which were however poorly exploited.
Moussa Niakhaté: 6/10
Unquestionably the best Senegalese defender of the evening. Impeccable in his interventions and very effective in his restarts, the central defender of Olympique Lyonnais delivered a solid performance. Sober and diligent, Moussa Niakhaté projected himself forward to create the surplus. Thanks to his left-handed technique, he managed to get some great ball outings.
Ismail Jakobs : 5/10
Although announced injured, Ismail Jakobs finally took part in the match against Malawi. The former Cologne player was one of the most active Senegalese players. With his burst of speed, Jakobs projected himself forward to try to combine with Sadio Mané. Even if he was not decisive in his crosses, the new left side of Galatasaray delivered a decent performance.
Lamine Camara: 3/10
Highly anticipated in the animation of the Senegalese game, Lamine Camara was not up to par against Malawi. The young Monaco midfielder, often manhandled in the first half, missed most of his technical gestures. In the second half, he tried to take the game into his own hands, but his poorly timed passes and set pieces had no impact. Logically replaced by Gana Guèye at 65? minute, who, without being brilliant, delivered an assist for Nicholas Jackson on the 4? aim.
Pope Guèye: 6/10
Aggressive and omnipresent in recovery, Pape Guèye opened the path to success for the Lions by opening the scoring in the 15th minute. minute of a nice left strike. Confident after this goal, he showed a lot of activity, trying to play deep for his teammates, but sometimes lacking precision in his passes. The former Marseille player generally delivered a decent match. Replaced by Nampalys Mendy at 81? minute.
Knowledge of Ndiaye : 6/10
Aligned as a playmaker behind the attackers, Iliman Ndiaye started well. Thanks to his technique and his great touch of the ball, he lit up the game at the start of the match and was decisive on Pape Guèye’s first goal. But as the match progressed, the former Marseille player gradually faded away. Touched, he finally gave way to Boulaye Dia, who was decisive by scoring the 3? Lions goal with composure, six minutes after coming into play.
Sadio Mané: 8/10
The Lions number 10 was the best Senegalese on the field. Thanks to his experience, he caused the expulsion of the Malawian goalkeeper, who cut him down as he was heading towards goal. Involved in all offensive actions, he scored the Lions’ second goal with a beautiful left strike. Even though he missed a few chances, the former Liverpool player, who scored his 45? goal for the selection, was decisive in this match where Senegal was eagerly awaited.
Nicholas Jackson : 6/10
Often criticized for his lack of efficiency in the selection, Nicholas Jackson finally unlocked his counter with a superb shot (77th minute) after an assist from Gana Guèye. This goal saved a generally dull performance from the Chelsea striker, who did not worry the Malawian defenders too much. However, willing and available, he proposed several solutions through his calls, without however finding the fault again. Replaced by Habib Diallo, who missed a golden opportunity in the 88th? minute.
Ismaïla Sarr: 5/10
As in his last matches, Ismaïla Sarr was impactful thanks to his speed, but messy in the last gesture. Despite a nice pass on Sadio Mané’s second goal (68th minute), the Crystal Palace striker missed several offensive actions. On the right flank, the former Génération Foot player also missed several crosses which could have put the opposing defense in difficulty.
