Iliman Ndiaye : un déclassement qui interroge
Iliman Ndiaye, Senegal's most consistent technical leader in recent years, lost his place at the last minute, just days before the 2026 World Cup. After two matchdays, the Everton player has only played 7 minutes, remaining unused when the Lions needed a goal against Norway. This management raises questions, especially given Senegal's lackluster attacking play.
It is September 9, 2025, in Kinshasa. Senegal has just staged a remarkable comeback on the pitch of the DRC to secure its qualification for the 2026 World Cup. During this match, Iliman Ndiaye demonstrates the new dimension he has taken on in the national team, capable of taking control of the game when the big star, Sadio Mané, is struggling.
Nine months later, the situation had completely reversed. Despite a good season with Everton, Ndiaye lost his place at the start of the World Cup, preferred to Ismaila Sarr. This was due to two lackluster friendly matches, although the entire Senegalese team seemed to be playing at a slow pace against the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Demoted to the bench, Iliman Ndiaye is no longer even the first choice. After two World Cup matches, the Lions' number 13 has played only 7 minutes. None against Norway, despite the team's glaring lack of attacking creativity.
In Pape Thiaw's hierarchy, the winger has become the 5th choice. A surprising demotion, especially since others (Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson) benefit from the coach's leniency, who maintained the same attacking lineup against Norway.
After the debacle, both defensively and offensively, against Norway, major changes are expected for the match against Iraq, which feels like a last chance to secure a place among the best third-placed teams. Iliman Ndiaye, often a bright spot for the Lions in recent years, could be the solution to illuminate a struggling area of the pitch.
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