The United States boosted confidence ahead of the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Senegal in an international friendly on Sunday, as Christian Pulisic starred with a goal and an assist before Folarin Balogun netted the decisive winner.
The hosts made a bright start, taking the lead after just seven minutes when Sergiño Dest tapped home from close range after being picked out by Pulisic’s precise cross.
Pulisic then doubled the advantage in the 20th minute, showing great composure to round the goalkeeper before finishing from a tight angle.
Senegal responded just before halftime through captain Sadio Mané, who capped a swift counter-attack after being released by Habib Diarra’s incisive through ball.
Balogun thought he had restored the United States’ two-goal cushion early in the second half, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Senegal took advantage moments later as Mané punished a defensive lapse to level the score in the 52nd minute.
The AS Monaco striker eventually found the winner shortly after the hour mark, meeting Tim Weah’s inviting cross to seal victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The United States, co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, will face Germany in their final warm-up match on Saturday before opening their Group D campaign against Paraguay on June 12.
Senegal begin their Group I campaign against France on June 16, with Iraq and Norway also awaiting the Lions of Teranga in a challenging group.
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