Gana In World Cup Action For Senegal Against Norway

Idrissa Gana Gueye started Senegal’s second group match of the 2026 World Cup, featuring for the full 90 minutes as the Lions of Teranga suffered a 3-2 defeat to Norway.

Everton teammate Iliman Ndiaye was an unused substitute for the fixture.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland netted a brace for the Norwegians, while Marcus Pedersen was also on the scoresheet. For Senegal, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr also recorded a brace.

It had been a fairly quiet affair until the contest’s opening goal. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a couple of strong stops – one of which denying Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard from close range.

On 43 minutes, substitute Marcus Pedersen struck Norway into a one-goal lead, capitalising from a loose pass at the back by veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Norwegians almost doubled their lead before half-time when Haaland dispossessed Mendy in the Senegal penalty area. The big striker knocked his attempt against the near post.

However, Haaland took his chance earlier in the second half, giving Norway a two-goal advantage. His sliding finish from Odegaard’s through ball was enough to lift the ball past Mendy.

Sarr pulled one back on 53 minutes, darting into the box after a well-worked Senegal move.

But Norway were quick to respond through Haaland’s second on 58 minutes – his fourth of the tournament so far.

They looked to be cruising to a 3-1 victory, but Sarr struck again in stoppage time to reduce the deficit.

The result sees Senegal yet to register a point in Group I, falling to a 3-1 defeat to France in their tournament opener.

Next up, in their final group match, Senegal are in action at Toronto Stadium, taking on Iraq on Friday 26 June (8pm BST).