Senegal pounces on opportunities to down Peru in friendly victory

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr on both sides of halftime allowed Senegal to cruise past Peru with a 2-0 friendly victory on Saturday at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Playing in their first match since the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip them of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, the Lions of Teranga used the opportunity to make a statement ahead of the match.

With a high number of supporters in attendance from the Senegalese diaspora in France, the Lions paraded the AFCON trophy to present to their fans while it is still in their possession.

Les Lions du Sénégal présentent leur trophée de la CAN 2025 à la diaspora africaine au stade de France. ⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/cPitl5SF5z

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) March 28, 2026

As for the match itself, it was a strong effort from the West Africans against a Peru team that is in a state of rebuild. After finishing their 2026 World Cup campaign in failure, second from bottom in the CONMEBOL region, La Bicolor were little match and failed to create much danger for Lions goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

But on the other end, it was a busy day for Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. The former Orlando City SC shot stopper had little chance close to halftime when Jackson was left with an easy finish from close range. Senegal starlet Ibrahim Mbaye was played down the right wing and showed his immense pace to escape a defender before placing his final ball perfectly for the Bayern Munich striker.

pic.twitter.com/NaJSTCqStQ

— ⥼ PREDRAGGG (@PredragJutte) March 28, 2026

And less than ten minutes into the second half, the lead was doubled through an opportunistic finish by in-form Crystal Palace forward Sarr. A pass attempt forty yards from goal took a fortunate ricochet off a Peruvian player and went into the path of Sarr at the edge of the penalty area, who produced a brilliant first touch to set himself up for the finish past Gallese.

Senegal return home for second March friendly

The Lions of Teranga will now turn their attention to neigbors The Gambia, who they will face back home in Dakar at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade on Tuesday. In the first match in front of their home fans since the AFCON decision, it is sure to be another big occasion and opportunity to rally support.