Senegal will take to the pitch without star forward Sadio Mané in their upcoming international friendlies against Ireland and England, scheduled for 6 and 10 June 2025.
The absence of the team’s long-standing attacking leader due to personal reasons has prompted head coach Pape Thiaw to reassess his forward line, with Ismaïla Sarr emerging as a likely candidate to shift into a more prominent role on the left wing.
With Mané unavailable, attention naturally turns to Sarr, one of the national side’s most experienced forwards. The Crystal Palace attacker has a history of stepping up in Mané’s absence, and his previous performances on the left have often drawn praise.
Notably, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament Mané missed through injury, Sarr excelled in that very position, showcasing his ability to create and convert chances from the left-hand side.
Pape Thiaw now faces the tactical challenge of crafting a cohesive and threatening front line without his playmaker. While Sarr’s potential switch to the left could provide a familiar and effective solution, the decision carries additional considerations.
The last time this adjustment was implemented, it was under former manager Aliou Cissé. Thiaw, known for his slightly more daring tactical setups, may opt to follow a similar path or devise a new strategy that utilises Sarr’s versatility in a different role.
Sarr’s adaptability remains one of his key strengths. The 26-year-old has demonstrated his ability to function effectively across multiple attacking roles, both at club level and on the international stage.
During the 2020–21 season with Watford, he played 26 matches as a right winger, nine as a central striker, two on the left wing, and filled other roles including left midfield and attacking midfield.
These figures reflect a player capable of adjusting to the demands of various tactical systems, an asset that could prove invaluable in Thiaw’s planning.
At Crystal Palace, Sarr has also enjoyed a recent surge in form, particularly in a more central position. His sharpness and confidence in front of goal have improved, and supporters of the national team will be hoping he brings that same level of performance into the June friendlies.
Despite some lacklustre showings in recent appearances for Senegal, the opportunity to lead the line in Mané’s absence may serve as the motivation Sarr needs to rediscover his best form in national colours.
Yet, the tactical reshuffle does not end with Sarr. If he is deployed on the left, the question of who occupies the right flank becomes pressing, especially with promising youngster Assane Diao also unavailable.
One option that has gained traction is Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly, who impressed during his debut with the Lions in a recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The FC Metz winger brought dynamism and directness to the right-hand side, leaving a positive impression at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade.
For Thiaw, the challenge lies in balancing creativity, pace, and structure across the front three. While the loss of Mané is significant, it also presents an opportunity for others within the squad to stake their claim and prove their value ahead of more competitive fixtures.
Ultimately, the upcoming friendlies offer more than just a test against European opposition. They are a chance for Senegal to showcase depth, flexibility, and a new dimension in attack, even in the absence of their iconic No.10.
