Senegal made history on Tuesday night by becoming the first African nation to defeat England, claiming a stunning 3-1 victory in an international friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham.
The match began brightly for the hosts, who took the lead in the seventh minute through captain Harry Kane.
The striker pounced on a loose ball in the box to give England an early advantage and briefly silence the vibrant Senegalese supporters in the stands.
But Senegal, ranked 19th in the FIFA world rankings, refused to be intimidated by their fourth-ranked opponents.
The Lions of Teranga gradually grew into the match, demonstrating composure, tactical discipline, and attacking threat.
Ismaïla Sarr restored parity before the interval with a clinical finish that left England’s defence scrambling.
FACT – England are yet to lose to an African team since 1986
Tomorrow, they face Senegal. Can the Teranga Lions break the jinx?#54footballx pic.twitter.com/HJDe8jzGw3
— Official54fx (@54footballx) June 9, 2025
The equaliser proved a turning point, as Senegal returned from the break with renewed energy and belief.
Just after the hour mark, Habib Diarra capped off a swift counterattack to put the visitors in front, leaving England trailing for the first time in the match.
Diarra’s goal injected even more confidence into Pape Thiaw’s side, who began to dominate possession and force England into uncharacteristic errors.
As England pushed forward in search of an equaliser, they left themselves exposed at the back.
Senegal capitalised late in the match, with Cheikh Sabaly sealing the win with a composed finish, sending the visiting bench into celebration and the home crowd into stunned silence.
The result marked more than just a friendly victory for Senegal.
It symbolised a moment of continental pride, as no African team had previously managed to defeat England in an international fixture.
The win also extended Senegal’s unbeaten streak to 22 matches, one of the longest active runs in international football.
Only Italy’s historic 37-match unbeaten streak surpasses it.
Pape Thiaw’s men not only outplayed England but also outclassed them in key moments.
Le Sénégal détient actuellement la plus longue série d’invincibilité en cours au monde, avec 22 matchs sans défaite. 🔝✅🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/m01eEhtwyk
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) June 10, 2025
Their high-pressing strategy, clinical finishing, and cohesive team play highlighted the growing strength of African football on the global stage.
For England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, the defeat raises questions ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
Despite the early lead and a star-studded line-up, the Three Lions were second-best for most of the evening.
Senegal’s emphatic win in Nottingham will be remembered not only for the scoreline but also for the statement it sent — African football continues to rise, and on this night, it roared loudest.
