Cheikh Sabaly, Guilavogui make Major League Soccer debut

Senegal winger Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly officially made his Major League Soccer debut on Sunday for Vancouver Whitecaps during their resounding 3-0 victory against Toronto last night.

Having made a shocking move to Major League Soccer during the winter transfer window, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly, who will turn 27 in three days, missed the first matchday of the North American Championship while awaiting his work permit for the United States.

Le gars du Sénégal 🤩🇸🇳

We have acquired Senegalese international forward Cheikh Sabaly via transfer from French Ligue 1 side FC Metz through 2028-29 with a club option for the 2029-30 season 🔥

📰 | https://t.co/9dKbR8flFU#VWFC pic.twitter.com/DKdE2vdYmt

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) February 5, 2026

Cheikh Sabaly won 2025 AFCON with Senegal

The former Metz winger finalized the administrative matter a few days ago helping him make his first appearance under manager, Jesper Sorensen.

The 2025 African champion made his debut coming on in the 71st minute to replace Adriel Jackson where a brace from Thomas Muller and a goal from Brian White allowed Vancouver to win this all-Canadian duel and secure a second consecutive victory in MLS.

Cheikh Sabaly made a move to the United States this year from Ligue 1 side Metz with loan spells at Pau and Quevilly-Rouen. He has 12 caps with a goal and he was a member of the Senegal squad that defeated Morocco 1-0 to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title.

In another fixture, Morgan Guilavogui made his first appearance with Real Salt Lake who defeated Seattle Sounders 2-1. The Guinea international striker came on in the 72nd minute and played the last 18 minutes of this match counting for matchday 2.

The 27-year-old joined Real Salt Lake from Lens after a loan sting at St Pauli. He previously played for Toulon and Paris FC. He has made 21 international appearances with two goals scored.