Senegal’s women’s national team earned a narrow but morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Ghana in a friendly played on Tuesday evening at the Stade Lat-Dior in Thies.
The win came just three days after the Lionesses had fallen to the same opponent by the same scoreline.
Hapsatou Malado Diallo was the hero on the night, scoring late in the second half to give Senegal a result that brought welcome relief after a recent dip in form.
The triumph marked the end of a three-match winless run and came as a timely confidence booster with just three months remaining until the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Senegal head coach Mame Moussa Cissé had promised improvements following Saturday’s defeat and was rewarded with a much more structured and disciplined display.
“We will try to correct in the second match to put in a better performance,” he said ahead of the game — a challenge his players responded to with a focused and efficient performance.
The Senegalese side looked far more organised, aided by six changes to the starting line-up.
The return of experienced figures, including captain Korka Fall, gave the team greater composure and leadership on the pitch.
Though not a spectacle filled with scoring chances, the match was tactically rich and offered Senegal valuable insights ahead of the continental tournament.
Ghana began brightly, with their front trio — Princella Adubea, Doris Boaduwaa, and Chanelle Hlorkah — showing early intent.
A powerful attempt in the eighth minute tested goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, but the Senegalese defence, while occasionally troubled by depth runs, held firm.
Wolimata Ndiaye and Aissatou Fall were called into action several times but managed to contain Ghana’s advances.
Senegal’s clearest first-half opportunity came in the 32nd minute when Nguénar Ndiaye pounced on a loose ball in the box and unleashed a fierce strike, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan into her only significant save of the match.
After a lacklustre first half, the Lionesses emerged from the break with renewed purpose.
Their pressing game intensified, and Ghana struggled to find rhythm as Senegal dominated second-half possession.
Though Haby Baldé failed to convert from several set-piece situations, the home side’s persistence paid off when Diallo found the net, sealing a deserved victory.
The match, while lacking in goalmouth drama, served its purpose: restoring belief within the squad and offering coach Cissé a clearer picture of his options ahead of the AFCON challenge.
