Nottingham, UK – June 11, 2025 – Senegal’s national football team pulled off a dramatic upset on Monday night, defeating England 2-1 in an international friendly held at the City Ground in Nottingham, effectively snapping the Three Lions’ impressive 22-match unbeaten streak.
The high-tempo clash, which drew a packed stadium of local fans and African supporters, saw the Teranga Lions dominate key moments of the game, outclassing England in tactics and tempo, a performance that left football pundits praising Senegal’s discipline and rising global stature.
Senegal took the lead in the 27th minute through a precise finish by Boulaye Dia, who capitalized on a defensive slip from England’s backline to slot the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England responded late in the first half with a Harry Kane equalizer, but their joy was short-lived.
The match-winner came in the 68th minute, courtesy of Ismaïla Sarr, whose curling effort from outside the box stunned the English defence and reignited celebrations in the Senegalese dugout. Despite a late push from England, Senegal held firm, showcasing composure and tactical intelligence under pressure.
England, under manager Gareth Southgate, had been unbeaten since their 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final exit and were widely expected to ease past Senegal. However, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in their midfield transition and over-reliance on key players.
Senegal’s head coach, Aliou Cissé, praised his team’s performance, calling it a “statement win” ahead of their preparation for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We came with a clear plan, and the players executed it with belief and professionalism. This win is not just for Senegal, it’s for African football,” Cissé said at the post-match briefing.
The friendly was part of England’s Euro 2025 warm-up schedule and Senegal’s broader international tour aimed at building experience against top-ranked teams.
The result reverberated across football circles, with many analysts describing it as a symbolic win for African football ahead of global tournaments. England will now regroup before facing Germany in another friendly next week, while Senegal travels to face the Netherlands.
This victory reinforces Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s most formidable teams and serves as a timely reminder that the gap between African and European football powers continues to narrow.
