🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Pape Thiaw makes changes to Senegal's starting lineup for Iraq match
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw has made strategic changes to the starting lineup for the crucial match against Iraq. The Lions, facing two consecutive defeats, need a victory to maintain their hopes in the competition. To inject freshness and dynamism, several key players, including captain Kalidou Koulibaly and forward Nicolas Jackson, who struggled in previous matches, will start on the bench. Pape Alassane Gueye will also not start. Abdoulaye Seck will join Moussa Niakhaté in central defense. In attack, Ibrahim Mbaye earns his first start alongside Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr. Krépin Diatta and Ismaïl Jakobs will provide defensive solidity and support offensive plays on the wings, while Mory Diaw retains his position in goal.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, has announced the team's starting lineup for their 2026 World Cup match against Senegal. The game, part of the third day of Group 9, will take place this Friday in Toronto. The Iraqi team's composition includes Ahmed Basil as goalkeeper; Rebin Solaka, Akam Hashim, Mirhas Doski, and Frans Boutros in defense; Ibrahim Baish, Zidane Iqbal, and Amir Al-Amari in midfield; and Ali Al-Hammadi, Ahmed Qasim, and Ali Jassim in attack. This marks Iraq's second World Cup appearance, following their participation in 1986. Senegal is making its fourth appearance, having reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and the round of 16 in 2022. The match is a decisive encounter in the group stage.
Lamine Camara, a midfielder for the Lions, is uncertain to play in Senegal's crucial match against Iraq after sustaining an injury during the warm-up. The technical staff, led by Pape Thiaw, is preparing to revise the starting lineup to address this unexpected situation. Camara was initially slated to start the decisive game, but his injury just minutes before kickoff means the team will likely need to modify its composition. The player who will replace him will be officially announced by the technical management.
Senegal's national team, led by coach Pape Thiaw, is set to play a decisive World Cup qualifying match against Iraq in Toronto. Following two consecutive losses to France 3-1 and Norway 3-2, the team is under pressure to secure a win. Thiaw has made significant changes to the starting lineup, aiming to revitalize the Lions' qualification hopes. Yehvann Diouf will start as goalkeeper, marking his first appearance in the competition, due to Édouard Mendy's absence. The defense will feature Ismail Jakobs, Moussa Niakhaté, Abdoulaye Seck, and Krépin Diatta, a configuration designed to improve solidity after six goals were conceded in the previous two matches. In midfield, Lamine Camara, Idrissa Gana Guèye, and Habib Diarra are tasked with balancing recovery and offensive play, combining experience with youth to control the game's tempo. The attacking trio will consist of Sadio Mané, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Ismaïla Sarr, with Sarr repositioned to a more central role. This offensive unit is expected to regain effectiveness, a weakness for the Lions despite creating chances. Pape Thiaw previously stated his intention to make the "best choices" to re-energize his team. This match against Iraq is seen as a turning point, especially since Iraq is also in a difficult position. Senegal not only needs to win but also improve its goal difference, which could be crucial for qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. The game is anticipated to be a critical encounter, marked by pressure, t