Senegal vs Peru – News and Probable Lineups

Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal aim to move past their off-field troubles as they take on Peru at the neutral Stade de França this Saturday, in a friendly match ahead of the 2026 World Cup scheduled for June.

After managing a 1-0 win against hosts Marrocos in a tumultuous AFCON final in January, the Lions of Teranga have had their continental title revoked, with CAF imposing a 3-0 forfeit loss against the West African side.

Match overview

The events surrounding the 2025 AFCON final seemed to encapsulate poetic justice, as Senegal shifted from feeling wronged by a late contentious penalty to clinching victory with Pape Gueye’s powerful winner in extra time.

Nevertheless, the Teranga Lions were later stripped of the title as CAF concluded that Pape Thiaw and his squad violated competition rules by leaving the pitch before the penalty, leading to Marrocos being crowned champions.

As Senegal continues to contest the ruling, focus shifts towards preparing for the World Cup, resulting from a fiercely contested qualification in CAF Group B, where they narrowly finished ahead of DR Congo by two points, securing their third consecutive appearance at the global tournament and fourth overall.

Currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings, the Lions of Teranga arrive at Saturday’s friendly buoyed by a seven-match unbeaten streak (W6, D1), excluding the administrative forfeit.

Yet, results in friendly matches have been varied, suffering three defeats in their last four, including a 2-0 defeat to Brasil, although the 2021 AFCON winners quickly bounced back with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Quênia just three days later.

Peru, on the other hand, managed to break their own negative trend with a 2-0 win against Bolívia in December, courtesy of late contributions from Piero Magallanes and Bassco Soyer.

This victory ended La Bicolor’s eight-match winless streak (D3, L5) across all competitions, a run that ultimately led to their failure to qualify for the World Cup, finishing second from last in the CONMEBOL standings with just two victories from 18 encounters (D6, L10).

Currently positioned 53rd in the FIFA World Rankings, Peru is set to face Honduras three days following Saturday’s game and will regard this matchup as a chance to gain momentum and foster confidence.

As they head into the clash against Senegal, Mano Menezes’s side can find optimism from their 1-0 triumph in their previous meeting with Senegal, which took place in a friendly back in 2011.

Team News

In terms of personnel, Senegal will be missing key forward Sadio Mane, who has incurred an ankle injury during training at Al Nassr. Nonetheless, the Lions of Teranga still boast ample attacking options.

Bayern Munich loanee Nicolas Jackson is anticipated to lead the attack, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye likely to support from the right flank, while Ismaila Sarr may feature on the left side in Mane’s absence.

Idrissa Gueye, who holds the record for the most caps for Senegal with 128, is set to once again take charge of midfield, while the defense will likely be organized by captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

Peru’s experienced goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is set to occupy the goal, as Marco Huaman could retain his position in defense following a promising debut against Bolívia.

Sporting Cristal midfielder Yoshimar Yotun currently shares the national appearance record at 130 caps, and this fixture presents him with an opportunity to set the record outright.

Senegal probable starting XI:

And Mendy; A Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; L Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye; Who, Jackson, I Sarr

Peru probable starting XI:

Gallese; Huaman, Chavez Massoni, Barco, Llontop; Murrugarra Torres, Castle; Cabello Anagua, Vilca, Neira; Succar

Senegal enters this matchup as clear favorites, and this disparity in quality is expected to be evident on the scoreboard, though Peru may find a way to score, having netted in each of their last four matches.