The question of who will be the starting goalkeeper for Senegal in the final group match against Iraq, set for this Friday in Group I, is sparking plenty of discussion. This match is crucial in the race for a potential qualification among the best third-placed teams, putting the coaching staff in a tough spot. The stakes are high for the Lions of Teranga, who must win while hoping for favorable results in other groups to continue their journey in the tournament.
The uncertainty in the Senegalese goal comes from the absence of Édouard Mendy. The number one goalkeeper injured his left knee during the match against Norway and won’t be available for this final group stage encounter. In this context, coach Pape Thiaw has two main options: Mory Diaw, who already played in the previous match, and Yehvann Diouf, the goalkeeper from OGC Nice, who has had a solid season in Ligue 1. The choice between these two players depends as much on handling pressure as it does on the technical skills required in such a high-stakes match.
Mory Diaw has the advantage of continuity. Already called upon in the tournament, he knows the immediate environment and has had the chance to settle in with the Senegalese defense. However, some issues with his footwork were noted during his last appearance, especially in pressured situations. On the other hand, Yehvann Diouf stands out as a serious alternative, thanks to his consistency at club level and his ability to actively participate in building play from the back, a crucial element in modern international football.
In this matter, former Senegal international Bouna Coundoul, with 33 caps for the Lions, shared his analysis. He believes the choice should lean towards the goalkeeper who offers the most guarantees in overall game management, particularly in ball distribution and handling pressure. He thinks Yehvann Diouf’s profile might better meet the current demands, even though both keepers are capable of stepping up in such an important match.
“It seems to me that Yehvann has better footwork than Mory Diaw. When Mory replaced Édouard the other day, he showed some difficulties with his footwork. It might be due to the pressure of the World Cup. But I think either of them can start,” he stated on 2STV.
Bouna Coundoul makes his choice between Mory Diaw and Yehvann Diouf for the match against Iraq: “It seems to me that Yehvann has better footwork than Mory Diaw but I think either of them can start…” https://t.co/NUDQ7WDGyC pic.twitter.com/wA3JvqOt4K
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) June 25, 2026
With just hours to go before this crucial match, Pape Thiaw’s final decision is eagerly awaited. The choice of goalkeeper could significantly impact the defensive stability and Senegal’s ability to control the pace of the game against an Iraqi team that has nothing to lose. In such a tight context, every detail will count in hopes of extending the Lions’ adventure in the tournament.
