Edouard Mendy: Senegal will give everything to beat Gambia ‘for fans’

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has explained their desire to beat Gambia for the fans when the two sides meet in friendly at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium on Tuesday.

During a press conference held alongside Mendy, the Lions of Teranga coach Pape Thiaw discussed the team’s current situation, including the fate of the supporters imprisoned in Morocco, as well as the recent victory against Peru.

The Lions of Teranga secured a deserved 2-0 victory against Peru in their first match since winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco, and as part of their World Cup preparations.

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.

Senegal will give everything to win

“We know the Senegalese people always support us. Of course, it hurts not to have our 18 fans with us, but we will do everything we can to get them back soon,” said Mendy as quoted by WiwSport.

“What happened at the Stade de France showed that when Senegal is united, we can move mountains. The diaspora was incredible, and tomorrow, here in the country, we will have that support too.

“I discovered the beauty of our country during this Trophy Tour, people of great worth who love their national team and their country. Tomorrow, we will play for them, and against our Gambian brothers, we will give everything to win.”

Senegal behind fans detained in Morocco

Pape Thiaw said: “First of all, it must be remembered that what has happened in recent months has been very difficult.

“We offer our condolences to the family, the club, the city and the entire Senegalese football community for the accident that took the life of the Gadiaga FC goalkeeper. We are also thinking of our supporters and hope that they will soon be able to rejoin their families.”

Thiaw further mentioned the unwavering support of the public for the fans unjustly detained in Morocco: “We are also thinking of the fans whose trial has been postponed. We are all behind them and hope they will be reunited with their families soon.”

Thiaw empahised the importance of competition within his squad and the value of teamwork over individual achievements.

“I keep saying it: maybe today I’d say I have 11 or 12 players who are starters. But for now, no. For me, every player is a starter, and they show it in every match. Even when there are changes, the intensity, the play, and the desire are always there.

“What I love about this group is the healthy competition. The players are always there in their positions; they’re true patriots. They simply want the team to win, together. That’s it, and it needs to continue, and that’s great.”

Thiaw concluded: “We are going to participate in a major competition, the World Cup. Often, in some African teams, the players play for themselves, not for the team.

“For us, the team comes first. And this group has understood that well; you can see the cohesion, the fighting spirit. One for all, all for one. And that’s what’s beautiful for us.”