“Senegal threat to any opponent” – Mano Menezes

Head coach of Peru national team Mano Menezes has given a positive verdict on the Senegal national team ahead of their international friendly.

The African Champions will be playing against the South America side in a pre-World Cup warm up match on the 28th March at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Having brushed aside tough opponents including hosts Morocco to win their second Africa Cup, Menezes believes coach Pape Thiaw’s men are a threat to any opponent.

Senegal beat Morocco to win 2025 AFCON

“Senegal are the reigning African champions, an excellent team that recently faced Brazil twice, with a win (4-2) and a loss (0-2).

“They are a very physically powerful team. So I imagine it will be a very difficult test for us.

“But it’s also an excellent way to see where the best players are, what level we need to reach, and that’s what we need to do right now.

“It will be extremely important for our players to see what level the best players are at right now,” the former Flamengo coach explained.

The game against Peru forms part of friendly series meant to assess the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, USA and Mexico.

Senegal will also face the Gambia on March 31 at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium with the final friendly scheduled against World Cup co-host, the USA on May 31.

The Teranga Lions defied the odds to beat Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON finals courtesy Pape Gueye’s late extra-time strike at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in January.

Senegal are paired in Group I with former world champions France and Norway with the third opponent to be decided via the inter-confederation playoff pathway.