Saudi Arabia and Senegal end scoreless in final World Cup friendly

Saudi Arabia and Senegal played to a goalless draw in their final World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday. The friendly, held before the start of the tournament, saw Saudi Arabia's coach Giorgos Donis field a strong lineup in the first half before making wholesale changes after the break.

Senegal ended the game with 10 men after forward Nicolas Jackson received a second yellow card in the 84th minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Senegal managed to hold on for the draw.

Saudi Arabia showed promising attacking intent in the opening stages, with Musab Al Juwayr coming close to scoring in the 10th minute after a well-placed pass from captain Salem Al Dawsari. The Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was also called into action, comfortably saving a header from Lamine Camara in the 14th minute. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat missed another opportunity for Saudi Arabia in the 30th minute, heading over the bar from close range.

Senegal increased their pressure towards the end of the first half but failed to create significant chances against Al Owais. In the second half, substitute Ayman Yahya unleashed a powerful long-range shot that narrowly missed the post just after the hour mark.

Saudi Arabia is set to begin their World Cup Group H campaign against Uruguay on June 16, followed by matches against Spain and Cape Verde. Senegal will open their Group I campaign against France, before facing Norway and Iraq.