October 15, (THEWILL) — Senegal qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Mauritania 4-0 in their final Group B qualification match at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio on Tuesday night. The Lions of Teranga finished top of their group to book their place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Head coach, Pape Thiaw, selected a strong starting XI, including record goalscorer, Sadio Mane, who lined up in attack alongside Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. The Al-Nassr forward opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with his 47th international goal. Mane doubled the advantage three minutes after the interval, beating goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr to make it 2-0.
Iliman Ndiaye extended Senegal’s lead in the 64th minute after Jackson provided the assist. The hosts dominated throughout the second period and created numerous chances against the Lions of Chinguetti defence. Mauritania struggled to contain the West African giants and were unable to register a goal in response.
Habib Diallo completed the scoring with five minutes remaining after being set up by Sarr. The 4-0 victory confirmed Senegal’s status among Africa’s elite football nations. The 2021 African champions will now turn their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Mauritania finished fifth in the group standings and failed to qualify for the continental championship.
Senegal’s qualification marks another significant achievement for two-time African Footballer of the Year Mane and his teammates. Both nations will now focus on different objectives during the international calendar ahead.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
