Diouf joins Fenerbahçe as Senegal's last chance looms

Amara Diouf joins Fenerbahçe

Senegal's brightest young talent is on the move. Amara Diouf has signed for Fenerbahçe, the Turkish club confirmed on Wednesday (2). No fee or contract length was disclosed, but the move gives the 18-year-old a platform in European football ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. Diouf is one of the most exciting prospects to come through Senegal's youth ranks in years.

Mendy out against Iraq with knee injury

Senegal will face Iraq without their starting goalkeeper. Édouard Mendy is ruled out of the decisive Group I finale with a knee problem (1). The Lions conceded three against Norway and now lose their most experienced defensive voice for a match they must win.

Two losses, but qualification still possible

It sounds improbable, but the numbers say otherwise. Despite losing to Norway 3–2 and falling in their opener, Senegal still have a 72% chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, according to projections published Wednesday (3). A win against Iraq is non-negotiable. Even then, results elsewhere will decide whether the Lions sneak through. Julian Ryerson's early injury against Norway, forced off after 11 minutes, summed up the chaos, but Ismaïla Sarr's double showed the fight is still there.