Nobel Mendy: Pape Thiaw explains reason for withdrawing defender

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw confirmed his decision to withdraw defender Nobel Mendy during their 3-1 friendly victory against Gambia at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium on Tuesday.

The Rayo Vallecano star, who playing his very first match for the Senegalese national team, was unable to finish the game, after he was withdrawn in the 43rd minute for Lamine Camara.

🗣️ Pape Thiaw donne des nouvelles de Nobel Mendy : « J’ai préféré le sortir »#wiwsport pic.twitter.com/mWKtKFGJsT

— wiwsport (@wiwsport) March 31, 2026

The Teranga Lions went ahead to win the game after goals from Abdoulaye Seck, Ibrahim Mbaye, who doubled their lead, and Camara, who scored in the stoppages after coming on for Mendy.

‘There was no risk to take’

“Regarding the question about Mendy, it was my decision to take him off because when he took the knock, I saw he was limping slightly once he was on the ground,” said Thiaw as quoted by WiwSport.

“And I don’t like to play a player through an injury because, after all, I was a player myself and I saw what it cost me, so I preferred to take him off to prevent him from getting hurt further.

“There was no risk to take. I think the most important thing is the players’ careers, and it’s good to have him here. He’s shown some good things, so let’s hope it’s not a serious injury.”

Nobel Mendy was looking forward to first game

Ahead of the friendly against Peru, and Gambia, Nobel Mendy expressed joy over his debut call up to the Senegal national team.

The young player, who can play at left-back and central defence, could not hide his happiness when the squad was announced by coach Pape Thiaw.

“It’s an immense joy. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little, ever since I started playing football,” he said

“Honestly, I’m very happy. It feels good to make my family proud. It’s a dream come true. I used to watch them on TV and now I’ll be with them. That’s it.”

Born in Guédiawaye, Mendy began playing football with his local football academy Guédiawaye FC, before moving to France with his family in 2015, where he played for SPN Vernon, Pacy Ménilles RC and FC Mantois 78.

He signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side Paris FC in June 2021, and made his professional debut with Paris FC in a 1-0 Ligue 2 victory against Pau FC on 26 December 2022.

Nobel Mendy has played 18 La Liga matches with two goals under his belt this season for Rayo Vallecano.