Senegal have reportedly turned down high-profile international friendlies against both Argentina and Spain in order to honour their scheduled match against The Gambia.

According to Senegalese outlet Seneweb, Argentina had proposed a clash in Dakar on March 31st, while Spain also made an offer for a friendly on the same date.

However, following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Senegalese Football Federation held on Monday, the country opted to stick to its original commitment.

“For reasons of loyalty and diplomacy, the Senegalese federation, through its president, deemed it necessary to maintain the match against the Scorpions of The Gambia,” a Seneweb source reported.

The decision is understood to reflect the long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two neighbouring nations.

“For Abdoulaye Fall, preserving this cohesion is essential,” the Seneweb source added.

By Ebrima KB Sonko