Brazil Brush Aside Senegal to Give Sadio Mane’s Teammates Plenty to Ponder Ahead of Harambee Stars Friendly

Senegal will be taking on Kenya's Harambee Stars in Turkey next Tuesday days after their 2-0 loss to Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

Brazil delivered a commanding performance at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night, sweeping aside Senegal 2–0 in a friendly that exposed glaring weaknesses in the African champions just days before their highly anticipated clash with Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Antalya.

The Seleção, eager to respond after a disappointing 3–2 defeat to Japan in the previous international break, approached the match with renewed sharpness and intensity. In contrast, Senegal — unbeaten in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and fresh from a 3–1 win over England in June — found themselves second-best for long stretches against a revitalized Brazilian side.

Chelsea wonderkid Estevão opened the scoring in the 28th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and rifling home a composed first-time finish.

First Half

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Just eight minutes later, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro doubled the advantage, left inexplicably unmarked from a set piece before curling home past the stranded Senegalese keeper. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal, but the damage had already been done.

Before the break, Brazil goalkeeper Ederson was forced into a sharp save to deny Ismaïla Sarr, one of Senegal’s few bright sparks in an otherwise subdued outing. Earlier in the half, Matheus Cunha struck the woodwork twice — both chances brilliantly crafted by Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães — as Brazil threatened to run riot.

Second Half

The second half saw fewer clear-cut opportunities, but concerns grew on both benches for different reasons. For Brazil, Arsenal defender Gabriel limped off with what appeared to be a muscular problem, a worrying sight at his home ground. Senegal suffered their own setback when Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr was forced off, adding to Spurs' widening injury woes.

Despite a more controlled defensive showing after the break, Senegal lacked the creativity and composure needed to mount a comeback. With Sadio Mané well-marshaled and the midfield struggling to gain rhythm, Aliou Cissé’s men failed to trouble the Brazilian backline.

The result hands Senegal plenty to reflect on as they head into Tuesday’s friendly against Harambee Stars in Antalya. Kenya, who fell narrowly 1–0 to Equatorial Guinea, will be watching closely — aware that Senegal, though wounded, remain one of Africa’s most dangerous outfits.

The heavyweight friendly now sets the stage for a fascinating test of character for both teams: Senegal seeking redemption, and Kenya chasing a statement performance against the reigning African giants.