Senegal's national team faces potential World Cup exit for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy due to injury
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal's national team may have to finish the 2026 World Cup without its starting goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. Mendy sustained an injury during the Lions' 3-2 loss to Norway on Tuesday, causing significant concern within the team. The 34-year-old goalkeeper was substituted in the 63rd minute after experiencing physical discomfort. Reports from the team's entourage suggest he will likely be unavailable for the final group stage match against Iraq, scheduled for Friday in Toronto. Information indicates that Edouard Mendy could be sidelined for approximately ten days or more. This unavailability would not only prevent him from playing against Iraq but also from participating in a potential knockout phase should Senegal qualify. The concern is heightened by comments from Lions captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who stated in the mixed zone that his teammate might have a knee ligament injury. However, the Senegalese national team's medical staff has not yet provided official confirmation. If a knee ligament injury is confirmed, it could end Edouard Mendy's participation in the tournament, as such injuries typically require a long recovery period depending on their severity. While awaiting an official medical statement, coach Pape Thiaw is expected to rely on his substitute goalkeeper, Mory Diaw, who replaced Mendy during the match against Norway and is likely to fill in for the decisive game against Iraq. Senegal, having lost its first two matches, remains in contention for a place in the
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President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dispatched a government delegation to Guet Ardo to convey the nation's condolences following the passing of the general caliph, Thierno Mouhamadou A茂ssata Ba. Led by the Minister of Family, Marie Ang茅lique Mame Selb茅 Diouf, the delegation delivered a message of compassion and paid tribute to the religious leader, whose work and values significantly impacted his community and Senegal. On behalf of the head of state, the minister honored the memory of a man of faith, peace, and integrity, emphasizing that his death is a great loss for Senegal. She also noted that President Faye, currently in Germany, entrusted her with delivering his message of sympathy and solidarity. Speaking for the caliph's family, Cheikh Aldiouma Ba thanked the authorities for their support and presence since the announcement of the death, particularly acknowledging the commitment of local administrative authorities to the grieving family.
Must ReadEngland played to a 0-0 draw against Ghana in Foxborough, near Boston, in their second World Cup 2026 match. This result means England must wait until their final group game against Panama on Saturday to try and qualify for the round of 16. Despite a late surge in the final five minutes, England's attempts, including a shot by Bukayo Saka saved by Benjamin Asare, a header by Nico O鈥橰eilly hitting the crossbar, and a volley by Harry Kane over the bar, failed to break Ghana's defense. Coach Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment, noting Ghana's even more defensive 4-5-1 formation compared to their first match. Both England and Ghana currently have 4 points each and are not yet qualified for the knockout stage, with the Panama-Croatia match still to be played. England dominated possession in the first half but failed to register a single shot on target from six attempts. A free-kick from Declan Rice was their only notable effort. The first half was also marked by boos directed at Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey by English fans due to ongoing legal issues in the UK. The match saw a controversial cooling break despite rain and mild temperatures, following a head collision between Jordan Ayew and Reece James. The second half mirrored the first, with repeated English attacks and sterile Ghanaian counter-attacks. Anthony Gordon managed England's first shot on target in the 57th minute, easily saved by Asare. Harry Kane, who became England's third most-capped player with 116 selecti
Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, acknowledged Norway's effectiveness following a difficult match where his team was defeated. Thiaw praised the opponent's performance, noting they scored at critical moments, including just before halftime and early in the second half. Despite the loss, he encouraged his players to remain focused. Thiaw stated that the team will analyze the match, learn from their mistakes, and aim to secure three points in their final game to maintain their hopes in the competition.