The national soccer team of Senegal is set to face Togo on March 25, 2025, in a crucial match as part of their campaign for World Cup 2026 qualification. The game will take place at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, Senegal, and is pivotal for both teams striving to improve their standings in Group B.
Senegal enters this match coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw with Sudan in their previous game, which left them in third place in their group, accumulating nine points from five matches. This performance has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Coach Pape Thiaw’s side must capitalize on home advantage against Togo, who sits just below them in fourth place with only four points.
However, ahead of this vital encounter, Senegal has been dealt another blow with the injury of midfielder Cheikh Niasse. The Hellas Verona player suffered a grade III hamstring injury during training on March 21, just days before the match. The team confirmed his withdrawal, stating, "Cheikh Niasse injured his right thigh during training in Benghazi. Tests revealed a hamstring injury, ruling him out for Senegal-Togo. He returns to his club for treatment. Wishing him a speedy recovery!" This injury marks a disappointing turn for Niasse as it was his first call-up to the national team.
The withdrawal of Niasse adds to Senegal's list of absentees, which has prompted questions about the team’s depth. Despite injuries, the Lions of Teranga still possess a strong core of players, including the likes of Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy. Coach Thiaw is expected to field a formidable lineup that may include Emmanuel Mendy, Antoine Mendy, and the newly nationalized Ilay Camara and Assane Diao.
Historically, the contest between Senegal and Togo has been closely contested, with the two teams having faced each other 26 times. According to records, Senegal has won seven of those encounters, while Togo has claimed nine victories, with the remaining ten matches ending in draws. In their most recent clash in November 2023, the teams played to a 0-0 stalemate, indicating how tightly matched they can be.
Both teams have had their difficulties in recent matches. For Senegal, their inability to convert possession into goals was evident in their last outing against Sudan, where they controlled 66% of the ball but failed to score despite taking 19 shots. They will need to rectify this lack of finishing if they hope to secure a win against a Togo team that has struggled in the qualifiers. Togo, led by coach Daré Nibombé, managed a thrilling 2-2 draw against Mauritania in their last game, but has only one win in their last seven matches.
As the countdown to the match begins, the focus will be on whether Senegal can maintain their unbeaten run, which currently stands at 14 matches. This record includes wins over several opponents, showcasing the team’s resilience during their qualifiers. Meanwhile, Togo must find a way to engineer an upset and revive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, a feat they have not achieved in nearly two decades.
Ultimately, the stakes are high for both sides. Failure for Senegal could jeopardize their chances of advancing, while Togo needs to claw their way up the standings to have any chance of competing for a place in the World Cup. Senegal's commitment to winning at home and increasing pressure on their rivals is evident, and home fans will be eager to see their team capitalize on this crucial opportunity.
The match is set to kick off at 10:00 PM local time and will be broadcast live, allowing fans to witness this important clash in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
