The context of this Senegal/Peru match was quite electrifying with the stormy agitation of a CAF/Lekjaa couple from Morocco who should now adopt a low profile in view of the large-scale production of true African champions on the field who have nothing to do with declared winners of the Africa Cup of Nations on green carpet yesterday against Ecuador.
Senegal without Sadio Mane, Ilimane Ndiaye, and Koulibaly remains above all a state of mind. Clearly.
Pape Thiaw understood that football is based primarily on solid fundamentals. As a result, even in the absence of 3, 4, or 5 key players, the team manages to perform in perfect harmony.
Without overexerting his talent excessively in this case.
The Lions were all good in approaching this particular match. The team spirit was still sharp with an effective and efficient management of key moments. But there should also be a positive discrimination to highlight the talent of the young Ibrahima Mbaye. On Jackson’s goal, purists appreciated the speed, power, and vision of the Parisian prodigy. Mbaye’s well-measured cross, a lovely assist for the Bayern forward, makes him an exceptional profile in the attack. Highlighting Pape Thiaw’s wisdom in giving Ibrahima Mbaye playing time and confidence.
To be praised among the praises, Ismaila Sarr excelled in managing depth, Gana Guaye, the captain-metronome of the midfield, Krépin Diatta more than ever essential at the heart of the Lion, Lamine Camara shining, and Jackson to a lesser extent for his harassment work, his altruism, and his qualities as a box striker.
But, it should be remembered that the whole group deserves congratulations especially as we noticed a solid central axis of Niakhaté and Mamadou Sarr and Mory Diaw in a state of grace when the Peruvian attack tried to put him in difficulty.
What about the opponent?
Peru, a valuable sparring partner who gave us a hard time for the beautiful game played on the field of the France stadium. An attractive game reminiscent of the “El Toque” system of the Colombians under Francisco Maturana with Carlos Valderrama as the conductor back in the day. A short game of quick and short passes to destabilize the opposing block.
And these Peruvians greatly challenged the Lions in ball exits.
Ultimately, a good idea to have faced these South Americans. An interesting review of the team a few days before the epic Senegal/Gambia match scheduled at the Me Abdoulaye Wade stadium.
Mamadou Lamine Diatta
