Senegal achieved a huge victory. One that will increase its self-assurance before the Africa Cup of Nations. The team has gone eight games without losing, and its most recent victim was the powerful Brazil.
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Paqueta’s goal to open the scoring gave Menezes the perfect start to the evening. Senega scored two more goals in the first minutes of the second half after tying the score.
Marquinhos’ goal from a set piece sparked some hope for Brazil but it fell short. Mane’s penalty was the final nail in the coffin.
In a surprising turn of events, Senegal has defeated Brazil in a friendly match with a score of 4-2. Liverpool’s Sadio Mane was the star of the match, scoring two goals and contributing significantly to Senegal’s victory.
FIRST HALF – The match began favourably for Brazil, as they scored the first goal in the ninth minute through Roberto Firmino.
It was a tightly-contested clash between the two teams as they squared up against each other.
Brazil had the edge over the African champions in ball possession but could not match the opponent’s goal threats and attacking drive.
Lucas Paqueta gave Brazil the lead early in the first half and they thought they had won a penalty when Vinicius Jr was fouled inside the box, but the referee’s decision was overturned following a VAR review for an offside in the buildup.
Senegal made the most of their first chance when the Brazil defence failed to clear a cross into the box and Habib Diallo smashed the ball into the net with a powerful volley in the 22nd minute.
A series of dangerous attacks by the Senegalese left the 2022 World Cup quarter finalists vulnerable at the back but it was a decent scoreline between both in the first half.
West Ham’s Paqueta opened the scoring for the Brazilians after a great assist by Real Madrid star, Vinicius Jr, in the 11th minutes but Senegal fought back in the 22nd minute to level the scores with Diallo’s equaliser.
However, Senegal responded quickly, as Famara Diedhiou equalised in the 45th minute.
The two sides settled for the 1-1 scoreline after the first half with Brazil seeming to be in the front foot throughout.
SECOND HALF – The second half was dominated by Senegal, with Mane scoring two goals in the 49th and 58th minute to put Senegal 3-1 up. Brazil tried to make a comeback, with Neymar scoring a penalty in the 75th minute, but it was not enough to turn the match around.
An own goal from Marquinhos early in the second half gave Senegal the lead with Mane extending their advantage after 57 minutes.
Marquinhos scored at the right end to pull one back for Brazil but Mane got his second goal with a late penalty.
The match was held at Estadio Jose Alvalade, home of Sporting Lisbon, with nine England-based players in the starting XIs.
As well as Paqueta, Brazil’s team at the beginning of the match included Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Newcastle midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes and Tottenham forward Richarlison.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s side included Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate, Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.
Senegal sealed the victory with a fourth goal from Opa Nguette in stoppage time, securing an impressive win over one of the world’s strongest football nations.
This victory marks Senegal’s first win over Brazil in international football, providing a significant boost to the team’s confidence ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Brazil will have to pick themselves up and bounce back as they prepare for future tournaments and matches.
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