Just over two weeks before their opening World Cup match against France, the Lions of Teranga fell to Team USA (3-2) this Sunday, May 31st, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Despite a brace from Sadio Mané, Pape Thiaw's men displayed worrying defensive weaknesses.

There was a distinct World Cup atmosphere in North Carolina. In the midst of preparations for the competition, which begins on June 11, Senegal was surprised by the clinical finishing of the United States, co-hosts of the tournament. Still recovering from injury, key players Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye were unavailable, leaving the team without natural leaders. Coach Pape Thiaw was, however, able to rely on his star player Sadio Mané, while also giving a first cap to 18-year-old midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye.

A lightning-fast American start

After two consecutive defeats, Mauricio Pochettino's American team started the match at full throttle. Organized in a 3-4-3 formation, the United States quickly suffocated the Senegalese defense.

1. 6th minute (1-0): Ideally served at the penalty spot by Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest opens the scoring for the Americans.
2. 19th minute (2-0): Unstoppable, Christian Pulisic takes advantage of a gift from Ricardo Pepi to eliminate Mory Diaw and break the deadlock into the empty net.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese could have been awarded a penalty for a foul by goalkeeper Matt Turner on Mané (11th), while Nicolas Jackson inexplicably missed the target (15th).

On the verge of collapse, the Lions finally reacted just before the break. Following a pass from Habib Diarra, Sadio Mané revived his team with a clinical, angled shot ( 2-1, 43rd minute ).

The Mané show wasn't enough

The second half was marked by extensive substitutions on both sides, somewhat disrupting the rhythm of the match. Senegal took advantage of this to level the score: capitalizing on a misjudged clearance by young American goalkeeper Chris Brady, Sadio Mané scored his second goal ( 2-2, 52nd minute ).

Unfortunately, the Lions' defensive lapses quickly dashed any hopes of a comeback. Ten minutes later, a poor clearance by Moustapha Mbow allowed AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun to give Team USA a decisive lead ( 3-2, 62nd minute ).

Key moment of the match: The introduction of Pape Gueye and Bamba Dieng wasn't enough to inject some dynamism into Senegal's play at the end of the match. Dieng even missed a crucial equalizer in the 86th minute, misjudging his shot in the penalty area.

Next stop: Saudi Arabia for the final adjustments

This defeat—their first after a ten-match unbeaten run—serves as a serious warning for Senegal. Pape Thiaw's men still have a lot of work to do before their clash against France on June 16. They will have the opportunity to make final adjustments in a last friendly match against Saudi Arabia.