Famara Diedhiou spoiled Neymar’s historic night as Senegal fought back from a goal behind to hold Brazil to 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Singapore on October 10, 2019 (Thursday). Roberto Firmino put the Selecao ahead as early as the ninth minute but the African Cup runner-ups levelled the scores in the first minute of added time in the opening half. Brazil vs Senegal clash, primed to be not just the meeting of two Liverpool stars in Frimino and Sadio Mane but also Neymar’s 100th appearances for the national team, lost steam as time progressed with both teams opting to test their bench strength.

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, playing right-wide for Brazil, found Firmino with a perfectly weighted ball which the Liverpool man dinked over a rushing Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis to put Brazil ahead in the ninth minute. Neymar, who equalled Robinho in becoming just the seventh player to make 100 appearances for Brazil, nearly added to his merry in the 25th minute but his shot from the edge of the box sailed inches wide of the net.

The Bobby Way

Jesus - Firmino - Goal

Aliou Cissé’s boys were happy to play on the counter and although they took some time to settle themselves, with Brazil’s front three of Neymar, Firmino and Jesus running wild, by the time it reached the end of first half Senegal had been awarded a penalty and rebuffed another claim.

Famara Diedhiou slotted the spot-kick past Ederson to equalise for Senegal after Mane was pulled down by Brazil centre-back Marquinhos. The 26-year-old Liverpool troubled veteran full-back, Dani Alves, all night and was eventually rewarded in the first minute of added time towards the end of the first half. Mane skidded past Alves before leaving Marquinhos for his life with a clever cut back-in. All the PSG defender could do was to haul Mane down and leave the referee to award the African team a penalty.

Brazil could have sealed the victory Kalidou Koulibaly pulled Jesus back in 89th minute but the referee decided to show him a yellow turning down the vociferous appeal from Brazil players. Meanwhile, Neymar and Mane both hit the post towards the game end as both sides shared the spoils at Singapore.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2019 08:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).