'What Was the Point of This Match?' Analyst Slams Harambee Stars' 'Low-Value' Friendly Against Lions of Teranga

The Lions of Teranga brushed aside Harambee Stars with an emphatic 8-0 win in Tuesday’s international friendly, a result that immediately sparked debate over whether Senegal gained anything meaningful from the contest.

Senegalese football analyst Mbaye Jacques Diop delivered a stern assessment of the fixture, questioning the rationale for scheduling a friendly that, in his view, offered no competitive value just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking on Waxsaxalaat, Diop argued that facing Kenya, who were thoroughly outclassed, did little to aid Senegal’s AFCON preparations.

‘What Was the Point of This Match?’

Diop openly challenged the logic behind choosing Kenya as an opponent. “Sometimes you really have to ask yourself… what was the point of this match? Why was it even played?” he wondered.

He compared Senegal’s preparations to those of other African heavyweights, noting that teams such as Algeria and Tunisia chose higher-caliber opponents, including Saudi Arabia and Brazil. According to Diop, Senegal, a team ranked 19th in the world, has the standing to arrange matches against far more competitive teams.

“Playing against Kenya, ranked 108th and what I would call a ‘Cinderella of African football,’ brings no real test or sporting advantage. We are spending money on a match that provides zero added value,” he said, as quoted by Senegalese outlet Wiwsport.

‘This Was Amateurish’

Diop also criticized the disorganized nature of the friendly’s planning. He highlighted that the match was arranged on extremely short notice. “You cannot wait until early November to organize a match set for the 18th. That is amateur behavior,” he claimed.

He stressed that the international calendar is released long in advance and that a team of Senegal’s stature should never be scrambling to confirm opponents. “This team has reached a level where other nations need us more than we need them,” he insisted.

The analyst further condemned the logistical shortcomings: the match was played in an empty stadium, a stark contrast to what could have been a well-attended fixture had it been staged in France or another football-friendly destination. He also pointed to the team’s travel challenges, flying out of London immediately after their match against Brazil, saying the rushed schedule hindered player recovery. In his view, Senegal incurred needless expenses for a friendly that “held no real stakes.”

‘The Federation Has No Connections’

Responding to comments from FSF Secretary-General Abdoulaye Sow, who claimed that several nations avoid scheduling matches with Senegal, Diop firmly rejected the notion. “I completely disagree. Many teams were willing to play Senegal long before the new federation leadership took over,” he remarked.

He suggested that the difficulties in securing high-profile opponents may be linked to a broader decline in Senegal’s influence in global football circles. “We have to admit that our leaders lack the necessary connections at the international level. The president is new, but he must surround himself with capable people,” Diop said.

While he credited Sow for acknowledging the federation’s organizational weaknesses, Diop called for sweeping changes to its executive committee. “There are individuals on that committee who simply should not be there,” he asserted.

Praise for the Brazil Performance

Despite his criticism of the Kenya friendly, Diop praised Senegal’s effort in their recent 2-0 loss to Brazil. He noted that even after falling behind, the players continued to fight. He also reminded listeners that Senegal were missing three key starters, Krépin Diatta, Lamine Camara, and Habib Diarra.

Diop ended his remarks with a firm message: “The national team carries a certain status. Everything around it must reflect professionalism, and those involved must rise to that level.”