International Friendly: Senegal Stuns Brazil 4-2 In Lisbon
The reigning champions of Africa, Senegal, stunned Brazil in a highly entertaining International Friendly, beating the South Americans 4-2 courtesy of a double from Sadio Mane, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal.
Senegal featured Habib Diallo in attack, with Bayern Munich star Mane and Ismalia Sarr supporting on the flanks. For the Samba Boys, Richarlison started up-front, supported by Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr. and Malcom on the wings.
Midfielder Lucas Paqueta gave Brazil the lead early in the first half and the South Americans thought they had won a penalty when Vinicius Jr. was fouled inside the box. However, the referee’s decision for a penalty was overturned following a VAR review for an offside in the buildup.
Senegal made the most of its first chance when the Brazil defence failed to clear a cross into the box, with Habib Diallo smashing the ball into the net with a powerful volley in the 22nd minute to equalise.
The goal gave Senegal confidence and they scored twice in three minutes after the break, with defender Marquinhos inadvertently deflecting the header of winger Sarr into his own goal, before Mane curled a brilliant strike into the far top corner of the net.
Marquinhos made amends for his earlier mistake by scoring Brazil’s second from a loose ball inside the box to make the scores 3-2, but Senegal kept their cool and extended the lead as play went on.
Substitute Nicolas Jackson was fouled inside the box by Brazil goalkeeper Ederson and a penalty was awarded to Senegal. Star player Mane stepped up and scored from the penalty spot.
Both teams showcased their skill and determination, but it was the Teranga Lions who came out victorious in the encounter, with Bayern Munich star Mane stealing the spotlight with a stunning brace.
The African champions beat the five-time world champions, inflicting Brazil’s third loss in their last four matches.
“We knew we had to be strong mentally,” said Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. “We were determined to play a big game – it wasn’t a friendly but a warm-up match for the African Cup of Nations.”
It was the first time Brazil had lost by two goals since they were beaten 2-0 by Chile in 2015, while they had not conceded four or more in a match since they were beaten 7-1 by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.
In their 4-2 win, Senegal also became the first team to come from behind and beat Brazil in 11 years.
“We’re very proud of our performance. Very proud of the boys,” added Senegal coach Aliou Cissé. “When the lads play like that, we’re hard to beat. We’re on the right track.”
