Updated 6 min 5 sec ago
June 10, 2026 06:25
Saudi Arabia and Senegal Conclude Scoreless World Cup Farewell Match
Updated 6 min 5 sec ago
Reuters
June 10, 2026 06:25
Saudi Arabia and Senegal concluded their final preparatory encounter before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a 0-0 draw on Wednesday. The match, marking the last of two friendlies ahead of the tournament, saw Saudi Arabia field a near-full-strength squad in the first half, switching to a rotated lineup post-break.
Senegal, reduced to 10 men after forward Nicolas Jackson received a second yellow card in the 84th minute, maintained relentless pressure throughout. The game opened with Saudi Arabia’s coach Giorgos Donis prioritizing attacking intent, with captain Salem Al Dawsari orchestrating a string of attacks. A notable moment came in the 10th minute when Musab Al Juwayr tested Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, with a close-range effort following a precise pass from Dawsari.
Mendy demonstrated his composure in the 14th minute, safely punching away a header attempt from Lamine Camara. Saudi Arabia’s Mohamed Abu Al Shamat spurned a late first-half opportunity in the 30th minute, directing a header wide of the frame at close range. Senegal’s efforts were curtailed by Mendy’s consistent saves, particularly after the break, as the Senegalese squad struggled to convert chances amid Saudi defensive resilience.
Ayman Yahya, introduced as a substitute shortly after the hour mark, unleashed a formidable long-range strike that grazed the right post, highlighting the narrow margins of the contest. With the draw, both teams prepare for their World Cup Group-stage fixtures: Saudi Arabia faces Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde in Group H, while Senegal, now without Jackson, will open Group I with France, followed by matches against Norway and Iraq. The scoreless stalemate underscores the competitive unpredictability preceding the global tournament.
