Ibrahim Mbaye shines for Senegal at AFCON as 17-year-old PSG winger sparks 1-1 draw | OneFootball

Ibrahim Mbaye lit up Senegal’s draw with DR Congo in Tangier, sparking the equaliser after coming on. L'Équipe reports that the 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger showed striking maturity.

Introduced just after the hour, he immediately drove at defenders with dribbles and direct running. One surge ended with a shot that Lionel Mpasi parried, Sadio Mané swept in the rebound from close range for 1-1 in the 69th minute.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly said integrating young players is central to the squad’s development and felt Mbaye looked at ease. His acceleration and sharp first steps stood out.

Pape Gueye observed that Mbaye brings fearlessness on the training ground and is not shy about taking risks. He added that with time the teenager can learn to manage that edge.

Player of the match Mané called his impact at this level impressive and described him as an exceptional talent with a bright future. Krépin Diatta said he adds something extra whenever he comes on and urged him to keep lifting the team.

Mbaye joined the set-up in November against Brazil, a 2-0 defeat, and has quickly turned heads. He has not been daunted by the physical demands, his decision to represent Senegal rather than France has also resonated at home. Moussa Niakhaté noted it is rare to see a 17-year-old in Senegal’s senior side, and that regular viewers of France’s league were not surprised.

Source: L'Équipe