The United States held off a spirited Senegal comeback to secure a 3-2 victory in an international friendly at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday.
The Americans made a fast start, racing into a two-goal lead within the opening 20 minutes. Sergiño Dest opened the scoring in the seventh minute, arriving at the far post to convert Christian Pulisic’s cross from the left flank.
Pulisic then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 20th minute, showing composure to round the goalkeeper before finishing from a tight angle. The goal marked the captain’s first in all competitions since December and his first for the national team since November 2024.
Senegal responded before halftime through Sadio Mané. The Senegalese captain, capped a swift counterattack after Habib Diarra’s incisive through ball split the American defense, reducing the deficit and giving the Teranga Lions renewed momentum heading into the break. Mane extended his Senegal goalscoring record with 54 international goals.
The visitors continued their resurgence after halftime. Nigerian-American striker, Folarin Balogun had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half before Senegal drew level in the 52nd minute, with Mané capitalizing on a defensive mistake to complete his brace.
Balogun, however, would have the final say. The AS Monaco striker restored the United States’ lead shortly after the hour mark, meeting a precise cross from Liberia-American forward Tim Weah with a clinical finish to secure the win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Senegal entered Sunday’s match having put together convincing wins over the Gambia and Peru in March
Coach Pape Thiaw’s Senegal side will now turn their attention to competitive action, beginning their Group I campaign against France on June 16 before facing Iraq and Norway in their subsequent fixtures.
