Senegal is scheduled to play Peru at the Stade de France in Paris on March 25, 2023, as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. This match is crucial for Senegal, who is also set to face Gambia in another friendly.
Bouna Papa Thiaw, the coach of Senegal, has made several notable changes to the squad. Nobel Mendy has received his first call-up to the national team, while Bamba Dieng returns to the squad for the first time in two years. However, Cheikh Sabaly has been dropped from the lineup after his transfer from Metz to Vancouver Whitecaps.
In a display of pride, Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before the match against Peru. This comes in the wake of a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to strip Senegal of the title, declaring Morocco the winner of the 2025 Afcon tournament after overturning the result of January’s final.
The decision has sparked outrage among Senegal’s players, who protested during the Africa Cup of Nations final when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty. In response to the title dispute, Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how Senegal will perform against Peru and whether the recent controversies will affect the team’s morale. The friendly is expected to provide valuable experience and insight as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the World Cup.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full lineup for the match and any potential strategies that Thiaw may implement. The outcome of this friendly could be pivotal in shaping Senegal’s approach to the World Cup.