Senegal: ‘Friendly matches always carry weight’ – Amara Traoré responds to critics

Senegal will face Peru and Gambia during March’s FIFA international window, with former head coach Amara Traoré defending the choice of opponents amid growing debate.

The African champions are scheduled to play Peru in France on 28 March before hosting Gambia in Diamniadio three days later.

The announcement has prompted questions from some observers, who argue that the fixtures lack competitive value.

Traoré, however, insists there is clear reasoning behind the selections.

“Peru, even if they haven’t qualified, is still a team to respect. Gambia too, it’s a local derby. So it will be a very close match. It won’t be an easy match. I think these are important matches. Especially since afterwards, in the preparation, there will be tougher opponents. That means the opponents are staggered in their preparation. People are right to ask these questions. But there are still four months left, and most teams have already scheduled their friendly matches ,” Amara Traoré suggested in an interview with Wiw Sport.

Traoré believes the staggered nature of the opposition forms part of a broader preparation plan.

With more demanding fixtures expected later in the year, he argues that gradually increasing the level of competition allows the team to fine-tune its approach without unnecessary risk.

He pointed to a recent example to underline his argument.

According to Traoré, similar criticism arose when Senegal faced Kenya in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

That encounter, he said, proved decisive in shaping tactical decisions that followed.

“In the recent past, when we played Kenya, some observers criticized this opponent. However, that match was very beneficial for Senegal. During that match, Pape tried his 3-5-2 formation. He dared to use it in the final. In the second half, he reverted to the 3-5-2 he had already tested against Kenya. So, to show you that a friendly match always carries weight . “

For Traoré, the responsibility ultimately lies with the coaching staff, who must balance preparation, experimentation and results during FIFA matchdays.

“Friendly matches are approved by the coach. And when he approves a match, he has specific objectives in mind. He doesn’t approve a match for fun. We have to play France and Norway, plus another team from the playoffs. Ideally, we would have another European team. But failing that, we are obliged to play matches. Don’t think that the Federation hasn’t tried ,” he explains.