Senegal will face Peru in a friendly match at the Stade de France in Paris on March 25, 2023, as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. This match is significant for Senegal, who is also set to play Gambia in another friendly shortly thereafter.
Under the guidance of coach Bouna Papa Thiaw, Senegal is looking to solidify their squad ahead of the tournament. Notably, 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, the team has faced some setbacks, including the dropping of Cheikh Sabaly from the squad after his transfer from Metz to Vancouver Whitecaps. This reshuffling comes at a critical time as Senegal aims to build momentum before the World Cup.
Adding to the atmosphere, Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before the friendly match against Peru. This display comes in the wake of a contentious situation where Senegal was stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
The decision by Caf to overturn the result of January’s final, which awarded Morocco the title, has led Senegal to lodge an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the title dispute. This controversy has added an extra layer of pressure on the team as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
During the Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal’s players protested vehemently when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty, a moment that has since sparked significant debate within the football community.
As the match against Peru approaches, observers are keen to see how Senegal’s squad will perform, especially with the inclusion of new players and the return of familiar faces. The friendly will serve as a crucial test for the team to assess their readiness for the World Cup.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and strategy that Senegal will employ against Peru, but the excitement surrounding the match continues to build.