Senegal will have an excellent World Cup – Peru coach Menezes

Peru national team coach Mano Menezes praised the quality of Senegal national team squad after they defeated his side 2-0 in a friendly at Stade de France on Saturday.

The Lions of Teranga secured a deserved victory in their first match since winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco, and as part of their World Cup preparations.

Senegal win their first game since lifting the AFCON title, beating Peru 2-0 in France. pic.twitter.com/9qzUg7lPZ4

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Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr were the two goalscorers in an evening where Senegal showed little fear against a tough opponent. Making his second start, Ibrahim Mbaye provided an assist.

Peru have to accept certain aspects

“We expected this kind of match, with difficult characteristics. We’re 53rd in the FIFA rankings and we were playing against the 12th-ranked team,” said Menezes after the game as quoted by WiwSport.

“So, that already explains the current difference between the two teams. The first goal we conceded came from a pass by a Paris Saint-Germain player (Ibrahim Mbaye), and it was scored by a Bayern Munich player (Nicolas Jackson).

“This highlights the differences and the level of the players. It’s never good to lose a football match. It’s not pleasant. We don’t like to lose. But we have to accept certain aspects. I think the team played well in this match, compared to the level of the opponent.”

Senegal will have an excellent World Cup

He added: “We’re taking this as a positive. We made mistakes, which I think are normal with young players. We could have capitalized on some quick transitions.

“We had two or three chances to score. These are things we need to learn from to build for the future. As a coach, I watch as many matches as possible. We followed the entire Africa Cup of Nations and saw Senegal win it against Morocco.

“I also watched Senegal’s recent matches against Brazil. So, they’re a complete team, very well prepared, with a very intense style of play and excellent transition game. I think this team will have an excellent World Cup.”

Senegal will now face Gambia in their second friendly of the current FIFA international break.