Senegal Player Ratings: Defensive Collapse Overshadows Diarra and Niakhate's Strong Performances

Posted : 02 July 2026

Senegal's FIFA World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after they surrendered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 against Belgium after extra time in Seattle. The Lions of Teranga looked destined for the round of 16 before Belgium scored twice in the closing minutes of normal time and completed the comeback with a controversial stoppage-time penalty in extra time.

Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had given Senegal complete control with well-taken goals, but Belgium's late surge proved decisive. Romelu Lukaku sparked the comeback before Youri Tielemans equalised and later converted the winning penalty in the 125th minute after a VAR review, ending Senegal's hopes in dramatic fashion.

Senegal Player Ratings

Mory Diaw – 5/10
The goalkeeper was not directly at fault for Belgium's opening goal, but his failed attempt to punch away a cross allowed Tielemans to head in the equaliser. That costly mistake shifted the momentum late in the contest.

Krépin Diatta – 6/10
Worked hard defensively with several important recoveries and looked comfortable for most of the match. However, like the rest of the back line, he struggled to cope with Belgium's late pressure.

Pathé Ciss – 7/10
Impressed on his first start of the tournament with a composed defensive display. He contributed numerous clearances and carried the ball forward confidently from the back.

Moussa Niakhaté – 8/10
One of Senegal's standout performers once again. He registered an assist, created another clear opportunity and maintained excellent passing accuracy, continuing his consistently strong tournament.

Ismail Jakobs – 6/10
Provided an attacking outlet down the left flank but was exposed defensively on several occasions and found it difficult to win individual duels.

Habib Diarra – 8/10
Opened the scoring with a composed finish and controlled the midfield for long periods. Although he missed a chance to put the game beyond Belgium, he delivered an outstanding all-round performance.

Idrissa Gueye – 6/10
His influence was limited, but Senegal appeared to lose control in midfield after he was substituted during extra time as Belgium took command of the game.

Pape Gueye – 5/10
Struggled to impose himself in midfield, losing key battles and allowing Belgium space to attack before being replaced midway through the second half.

Iliman Ndiaye – 6/10
Showed flashes of quality with several successful dribbles but was unable to consistently impact the match due to limited involvement in possession.

Ismaila Sarr – 7/10
Scored a superb second goal and remained a constant attacking threat throughout. He also struck the post and created further problems for Belgium's defence but was unable to add another goal.

Sadio Mané – 7/10
Played an important creative role, helping set up Senegal's opening goal and producing several dangerous passes in the attacking third.

Substitutes

Lamine Camara – 5/10
Endured a difficult cameo after conceding the penalty that handed Belgium victory. While the decision sparked debate, the challenge ultimately proved decisive.

Ibrahim Mbaye – 6/10
Nearly restored Senegal's cushion after coming off the bench but narrowly missed the target with a promising opportunity.

Pape Matar Sarr – 6/10
Added composure in midfield and kept possession well after replacing Habib Diarra.

Nicolas Jackson – 6/10
Showed encouraging movement and energy during extra time but could not seriously test Belgium's goalkeeper.

El Hadji Malick Diouf – 6/10
Settled into the game without making any significant mistakes after replacing Jakobs.

Bara Sapoko Ndiaye – 5/10
Found it difficult to provide the same control in midfield after replacing Idrissa Gueye as Belgium dominated the closing stages.

Despite several impressive individual performances, Senegal's inability to protect their lead ultimately overshadowed an otherwise excellent display. The late collapse brought an agonising end to a campaign that had promised so much and left the West Africans wondering what might have been.

Senegal Player Ratings: Defensive Collapse Overshadows Diarra and Niakhate's Strong Performances

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