AFCON 2025
In a stunning night at the City Ground in Nottingham, Senegal defeated England 3–1, becoming the first African team in history to beat the Three Lions.
The friendly, intended as a preparatory match ahead of upcoming international fixtures, turned into a landmark occasion for African football and a sobering reality check for Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
England looked poised for a routine night after Harry Kane gave the hosts an early lead in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Édouard Mendy’s save. Kane’s goal continued his excellent form under Tuchel, with the captain scoring in each of the German manager’s four games at the helm.
However, the early advantage proved deceptive. Senegal began to find their rhythm midway through the first half. Their pressure paid off in the 40th minute, when Ismaïla Sarr latched onto a loose ball in the box and coolly slotted past Dean Henderson to level the score.
The African champions turned the tide completely in the second half. Habib Diarra, making only his second senior appearance for Senegal, gave the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute, squeezing a low shot under Henderson after a sweeping counterattack.
In stoppage time, Cheikh Sabaly put the result beyond doubt, finishing a slick move with a calm strike to make it 3–1, sending the Senegalese bench and fans into raptures.
England briefly thought they had clawed one back when Jude Bellingham bundled the ball into the net late in the second half. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled that Levi Colwill handled the ball in the buildup.
That moment encapsulated a frustrating evening for England, who struggled to create meaningful chances after their early goal. Despite dominating possession, they looked disjointed and vulnerable on the break—a vulnerability Senegal ruthlessly exploited.
The victory marks a historic first for Senegal, who had never previously beaten England. More broadly, it is the first time any African nation has defeated England in men’s international football.
The result leaves Thomas Tuchel with plenty to ponder. While the Germany-born coach remains in the early stages of his England tenure, tonight’s performance—coming just days after a narrow 1–0 win over Andorra—has raised concerns about squad depth, tactical cohesion, and defensive organization.
