Saudi Arabia and Senegal played to a goalless draw on June 10 in their final friendly before the World Cup, held ahead of the tournament's start later this month [1, 2]. Senegal finished the match with 10 players after forward Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 84th minute for a second yellow card [1, 2].
Saudi Arabia's Greek coach Giorgos Donis fielded a strong starting line-up in the first half but made 10 changes after halftime to rotate the squad [1, 2]. Saudi threatened Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy several times, including a notable chance by Musab Al Juwayr in the 10th minute [1, 2]. Meanwhile, Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made an important save against a header from Senegal’s Lamine Camara in the 14th minute and stayed mostly untroubled in the first half despite Senegal’s efforts [1, 2].
Mohammed Abu Al Shamat missed a close-range header opportunity for Saudi Arabia in the 30th minute, while substitute Ayman Yahya nearly scored with a powerful long-range shot shortly after the hour mark [1, 2].
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Saudi Arabia will open their Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16, followed by matches against Spain and Cape Verde [1, 2]. Senegal will begin Group I play versus France, then face Norway and Iraq [1, 2].