Le Havre AC winger Issa Soumaré delivered a match-winning brace as his club edged Toulouse 2–1, a performance that underlines both his growing influence in Ligue 1 and a potential opening with Senegal later this year.
Le Havre’s victory on Sunday, 15 February 2026, came in difficult circumstances during the 22nd round of the French championship.
An early red card for Sanganté left the Normandy side under pressure, yet their attacking resurgence once again proved decisive.
Soumaré stepped forward to settle the contest, ensuring a result that strengthens Le Havre’s position and highlights a forward line rediscovering its sharpness.
The 25-year-old is enjoying the most productive spell of his career. His two goals against Toulouse lifted him to six league goals and two assists this season, already surpassing last year’s return of five goals.
Able to operate on either flank and known for a powerful strike, the former K Beerschot VA player has increasingly imposed himself in France’s top flight.
That personal rise coincides with renewed discussion about his international prospects. As the March window approaches, attention has turned to whether Soumaré could feature under Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.
For now, competition for attacking places remains intense ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with established and emerging options crowding the hierarchy.
Yet circumstances later in the year may reshape that landscape. Reports from Le Soleil Sports suggest Senegal could enter the September 2026 international period with several attacking absences as qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begin. Administrative sanctions and player fatigue are expected to thin the available options.
According to those reports, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are set to serve suspensions across the opening two qualifying matches following CAF sanctions tied to the previous final.
At the same time, Sadio Mané could step away from international duty after the North American campaign, potentially creating further vacancies.
Such a scenario would leave space in a squad normally difficult to penetrate. In that context, Soumaré’s versatility, current scoring form and growing confidence could position him as a timely option should the coaching staff look to refresh their attacking choices.
