The players and the game: Koulibaly is back in form, Gana Gueye effective, Iliman decisive

The Senegalese national team concluded the international break with a victory. After a frustrating draw against Mozambique (1-1) and a narrow win against Ethiopia (1-0), the Lions faced Comoros this Sunday at the Vélodrome in Marseille. Senegal won the friendly match 1-0. For this game, Patrick Vieira decided to start two of the team's key players, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Both players delivered a strong performance, demonstrating that they remain important and decisive members of the national team.

Mory Diaw: 6/10

In a match largely dominated by Senegal, the Lions' last line of defense didn't have much to do. However, the former Le Havre goalkeeper remained highly focused throughout the game. Despite a few Comorian attacks, Mory Diaw stayed alert and kept a clean sheet.

Lamine Sy: 5/10

After a tentative start, Lamine Sy gradually settled into the game. Very disciplined in his defensive interventions, he proved solid against the Comorian attackers. Offensively, the AJ Auxerre right-back also impressed, notably with two good runs down his flank. A solid performance from the young defender.

However, he can still do better, particularly in attack. Replaced in the 63rd minute by Rassoul Ndiaye, the latter had a difficult start, with several turnovers and a good opportunity missed when he was one-on-one with the Comorian goalkeeper.

Mamadou Sarr: 6/10

Starting alongside Kalidou Koulibaly, the young defender delivered a convincing performance. Composed and solid in his tackles, Mamadou Sarr effectively contained the Comorian attackers. His quick runs forward also proved effective in distributing the ball. Offensively, he nearly scored Senegal's second goal, but his header went narrowly wide. A solid match for Real Sociedad's new center-back.

Kalidou Koulibaly: 7/10

Having been left on the bench for the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia, Kalidou Koulibaly started against Comoros. The Lions' captain was very solid in his defensive interventions. Authoritative as always, the 35-year-old defender showed that he is not yet ready to relinquish his place to the younger players.

On the offensive side, the former Napoli player also made his contribution with good ball releases and incisive restarts.

Nobel Mendy: 5/10

Deployed at left-back, the young Senegalese defender quickly showed his teeth with a fierce tackle on a Comorian attacker. Although he sometimes struggled against the pace of the opposing forwards, the new Hull City defender remained solid, making effective defensive interventions.

On the other hand, Nobel Mendy didn't offer much going forward. Playing in an unfamiliar position, he didn't always look comfortable. He was replaced by Malang Sarr (88th minute).

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7/10

He displayed a high degree of composure in possession for much of the match. Always available in front of the defense and invaluable in orchestrating the play, Idrissa Gana Gueye demonstrated that he remains a crucial player in midfield. Even though he wasn't entirely successful with his set pieces, the 37-year-old veteran showed he still has plenty to offer. He was substituted to a standing ovation by Pape Moussa Fall (88th minute).

Bara Sapoko Ndiaye: 7/10

Starting in midfield alongside Pape Matar Sarr, the young Bayern Munich player looked very comfortable on the ball. Dynamic and incisive in his ball control, he combined well to set up his forwards. Despite his young age, he showed great boldness in his decision-making. While he still has room for improvement, he demonstrated the qualities to establish himself as a regular starter in midfield.

Pope Matar Sarr: 6/10

Heavily criticized for his disappointing performances in recent appearances with the national team, Pape Matar Sarr used this match against Comoros to silence his detractors on the pitch. A constant presence in midfield, the new Juventus player showed promise. Technically gifted and involved in the build-up play, he was instrumental in Senegal's goal. After a fine run forward, he set up Ibrahim Mbaye, whose cross allowed Iliman Ndiaye to score the only goal of the game. He was replaced in the 63rd minute by Pape Guèye, who added more dynamism to the midfield.

Iliman Ndiaye: 7/10

Playing a free-roaming role, Iliman Ndiaye once again showcased his technical prowess. Scoring the only goal of the match, the Manchester City player was involved in all of Senegal's best attacking moves. Skilled and unpredictable in his ball control, he caused the Comorian defenders all sorts of problems. He also provided a magnificent pass to Rassoul Ndiaye, whose shot was unfortunately saved by the Comorian goalkeeper. He was replaced by Assane Diao (88th minute), who didn't have time to make an impact.

Ibrahim Mbaye: 6/10

Deployed on the left wing, the former Paris Saint-Germain prodigy showcased his speed. In the 4th minute, he made his mark with a blistering run down the wing followed by a perfect cross for Iliman Ndiaye, who scored the only goal of the game. Dynamic and incisive, he then made several more good runs down the wing, unfortunately without finding a teammate. He was replaced by Mamadou Diakhon in the 63rd minute, who attempted a few attacking moves without success.

Issa Soumaré: 5/10

Starting at center forward, the former Génération Foot and US Gorée player tried to unlock the Comorian defense by combining with Iliman Ndiaye and Ibrahim Mbaye, but failed to make a decisive impact. By dropping deep regularly, he showcased his technical ability and ball control. However, the new Stade Rennais striker, who is not a true center forward, didn't deliver what was expected of him. He was replaced by Boulaye Dia, who, after coming on as a substitute, also failed to make a significant impact.