In a match held on the FIFA date of March 5, 2014, the Lions of Senegal and the Eagles of Mali played to a 1-1 draw at the Saint-Leu-la Forêt stadium in Paris. Sadio Mané scored for Senegal in the 60th minute, while Cheikh Diabaté equalized for Mali in the 70th minute, with no further goals until the final whistle blown by French referee Anthony Gauthier.
While the draw might have pleased both coaches, Alain Giresse of Senegal and Henry Kasperzack of Mali, emphasizing the importance of the match’s content, it has raised concerns among Senegalese observers.
“This is the sixth 1-1 draw in nine matches under Alain Giresse since his arrival in Senegal in January 2013, which is quite worrying,” noted former player and current consultant Lamine Mboup.
Many Senegalese fans echoed these sentiments in post-match discussions, expressing concern that Giresse’s system seems to lead to too many draws. Indeed, in all matches ending 1-1, Senegal has consistently taken the lead but has been unable to secure a win.
Another notable observation highlighted by Senegalese media is Giresse’s failure to secure a victory at the Saint-Leu-la Forêt stadium in the Paris suburbs. Matches against Zambia, Guinea, and now Mali, all played at this venue, have ended in 1-1 draws.
