Ibrahim Mbaye did the job with Senegal this Saturday. Launched by Pape Thiaw in place of Ismaïla Sarr at the hour mark, the Paris Saint-Germain winger literally changed the face of his team, then trailing 1-0 against the Democratic Republic of Congo for the second day of CAN 2025. At the age of 17 and with three small selections, the native of Trappes (Yvelines) continued to provoke the Congolese defense to the point of delivering on a plate the equalizing goal for his team.
Barely ten minutes after Cedric Bakambu opened the score (61st), the European champion with Paris offered a real festival to the spectators at the Grand Stade de Tangier. Starting from the middle of the field, the young Senegalese striker, untenable, erases Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku to rush to goal before stumbling against the DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The ball finally returns to Sadio Mané who just has to finish in the almost empty goal (69th).
“Ibrahim always wanted to play for Senegal”
At 17 years and 10 months, Ibrahim Mbaye has already become the youngest player in the history of Senegalese football to play in an African Cup of Nations, coming on as a substitute in Senegal’s big victory on Tuesday against Botswana (3-0). He thus beat former Senegalese international Mamadou Diallo, who played a match in the competition in March 1990 at 18 years and 6 months.
After completing all his classes with the French youth teams, the Parisian Titi finally chose to represent his country of origin in November, a few weeks before the start of the continental tournament. “Ibrahim Mbaye did not need to be convinced. When the choice comes from the player, it’s always easier. For some, I think it will be necessary to travel, meet the parents and present the project to them. Here, it’s a choice of the heart: Ibrahim always wanted to play for Senegal. When I went to see him, he showed me that he wanted to be there. We know what he can bring us,” the coach explained after his call-up.
If his team failed to win (1-1) and validate its qualification for the round of 16 despite all its efforts, the Parisian striker will have a new opportunity to shine with the Lions of Teranga, from Tuesday against Benin (8 p.m.).
