The Aviva Stadium will be awash with green on 10th June as Ireland host Senegal in a highly anticipated international friendly in Dublin. For fans starved of summer football, this fixture will see Ireland return to action for the first time since defeating Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.
After winning both of those ties against Bulgaria, this fixture will prove to be a tougher test for the hosts, but one that fans will relish as they look to improve ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
The clash not only promises high-level football but also a touch of novelty. It’s the first ever meeting between the Republic of Ireland and Senegal, and a rare visit from one of Africa’s most successful national sides. With kick-off set for 7:45pm local time, fans can expect a lively atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland aim to impress against the African heavyweights.
First friendly in Dublin
While Ireland have previously tested themselves against some of Africa’s top footballing nations, encounters remain rare. In fact, the last time Ireland faced African opposition was back in 2010, when Giovanni Trapattoni’s men brushed aside Algeria 3-0 at the RDS Arena thanks to goals from Paul Green, Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle. How Ireland would love to have those two strikers at their disposal.
Now, a new generation of Irish talent will face a much sterner test against a Senegal side who won the Africa Cup of Nations back in 2022, feature regularly at World Cups, and have a squad filled with talent. This will be a tough test for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men, but one that will help them when it comes round to the qualifiers in a few months’ time.
This match marks Senegal’s first-ever senior international fixture on Irish soil – it’s a significant moment both in terms of sporting history and Ireland’s evolving footballing identity. The FAI’s decision to schedule a summer friendly against elite opposition suggests a long-term vision, providing experience and a challenge for Ireland.
Bet on Ireland vs Senegal with Tonybet here.
Ireland squad
The friendly against Senegal offers another chance for Heimir Hallgrímsson to refine his approach and continue shaping a squad that blends emerging talent with experienced leadership. His selection for the recent fixture against Bulgaria gave fans an idea of the direction he’s heading in – technical control, front-foot pressing and belief in young attacking options.
At the heart of Ireland’s ambitions is Evan Ferguson. The Brighton striker remains the standout name, and at just 20 years old, he’s already shouldering the hopes of a nation. His combination of physicality, movement and a natural striker’s instinct makes him a constant threat, and a fascinating clash awaits against Senegal’s robust defensive unit.
His loan spell with West Ham saw him spend most of the time coming off the bench, but he’ll be desperate to pull on the green jersey and show why that was a mistake. Strike partner Troy Parrott has enjoyed a resurgence with AZ Alkmaar after a series of loan moves. Parrott offers clever link-up play, sharp movement and a knack for finding pockets of space.
With Ferguson often drawing out defenders, Parrott could thrive in a slightly withdrawn or dual-forward role. Hallgrímsson’s setup may well look to take advantage of this dynamic, particularly against a disciplined Senegalese back line.
The 23-year-old scored 14 league goals in 30 matches, but he has only recently returned from injury, and may well start on the bench.
In midfield, Burnley’s Josh Cullen remains the metronome. Now one of Ireland’s most dependable players, Cullen provides composure, ball retention and a consistent passing range. His ability to control the tempo will be vital, especially in transitions, where Senegal can be ruthless if allowed space.
Ireland still have plenty of experience to call upon. Right-back Matt Doherty, with his wealth of Premier League and international experience, offers both attacking width and tactical awareness. On the opposite flank is where you’ll find Preston’s Robbie Brady – long one of Ireland’s most reliable performers – and the 33-year-old’s quality from set pieces is still very much required.
With Chiedozie Ogbene ruled out through injury, and Mikey Johnston still more of a squad option than a nailed-on starter, the attacking burden will fall squarely on the likes of Ferguson and Parrott. However, this also creates opportunities for Hallgrímsson to experiment with different shapes and with developing talent.
There’s a sense of cautious optimism around this Ireland side. The building blocks are there, and Hallgrímsson’s calm, methodical style offers hope – especially after beating Bulgaria twice. However, the Senegal match presents a real test and Ireland will have to be sharp if they are to win the match.
Senegal squad
Senegal, under the guidance of former national hero Aliou Cissé, remain a force in African football. Although a few of the golden generation are entering their twilight years, the squad remains stacked with talent and athleticism.
Up front, Sadio Mané still commands attention, though the Al-Nassr player is now operating more as a facilitator than a finisher. He’ll be supported by Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, and Habib Diallo, whose move to Saudi Arabia hasn’t dimmed his eye for goal.
In midfield, Idrissa Gueye offers bite and control, but fans should also look out for Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, who has become an increasingly vital cog in Senegal’s evolving tactical setup.
Defensively, Senegal are formidable. Al-Hilal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly may not be in his prime, but he still provides leadership and a physical presence that Ferguson may struggle to deal with. Both Abdou Diallo and Ismail Jakobs offer versatility at the back, while Édouard Mendy, if selected in goal, remains a calming presence despite a challenging spell post-Chelsea.
This visit to Dublin allows Cissé to test squad depth, which is ideal preparation ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
Prediction for the H2H
Despite the disparity in global rankings and tournament pedigree, this friendly may be more balanced than it appears on paper after long domestic seasons for both sets of players.
However, although Ireland are at home, their price with Tonybet (2/1) indicates that they will do well to withstand Senegal. The African visitors are priced a little above evens to win the match (6/5), and head into this encounter unbeaten in their last 14 matches. Those who believe that the match will end in a draw can get rather generous odds at 9/4.
It would take a brave man to believe that Ireland are at the standard to compete with one of Africa’s finest. Defeats to nil against Greece and England – twice – as well as a 3-0 hammering against Portugal last year indicate that Ireland aren’t ready to compete with a nation as powerful as Senegal just yet.
With players returning from injury, as well as several set to miss out, Senegal should enjoy their first trip to Ireland and claim the win before facing England four days later – a team more at their level.
Yet with that fixture in mind, Senegal may choose to rotate or utilise their substitutes throughout the second half, and with the flow of the game constantly interrupted by these changes, the scoreline may stay rather tight.
Prediction: Ireland 0-2 Senegal
Agree with our prediction? Bet on the match here. For fans keeping a keen eye on how both nations are shaping up ahead of competitive fixtures later this year, this fixture is not one to miss.
If you fancy a flutter, keep tabs on the evolving odds at Tonybet – there’s every chance that this encounter offers more than just friendly fire.
