Estevão and Casemiro strike as Brazil ease past Senegal in confident 2–0 victory under Ancelotti

Brazil continued to build momentum under head coach Carlo Ancelotti with an assured 2–0 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of goals from rising star Estevão and seasoned midfielder Casemiro.

Ancelotti fielded an exciting front line in London, with Estevão, Matheus Cunha, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior combining to produce an enterprising first-half display. Brazil controlled the tempo from the outset and came close to opening the scoring when Manchester United forward Cunha saw his header crash against the crossbar.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 28th minute. Chelsea prodigy Estevão, still only 18, capitalised on a fortunate deflection that placed the ball at his feet on the right-hand side of the penalty area. He wasted no time, drilling a precise low strike across goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and into the far corner. The goal — his fourth in 10 international appearances — further underlined his growing reputation ahead of next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Brazil doubled their advantage seven minutes later through captain Casemiro. The 33-year-old latched onto a deep free-kick from Rodrygo, cushioning the ball superbly before curling a composed finish into the top corner from a tight angle at the back post.

Senegal struggle to respond

Senegal had an opportunity to halve the deficit early in the second half after an uncharacteristic error from Brazil goalkeeper Ederson presented Iliman Ndiaye with a clear sight of goal. However, the forward could only clip the outside of the post.

Star forward Sadio Mané, twice named African Footballer of the Year, was unable to influence proceedings and was substituted in the 75th minute as both sides made a series of changes.

Brazil, five-time world champions, are already assured of their place at the 2026 World Cup after finishing fifth in a disappointing South American qualifying campaign. Senegal sealed their own spot last month with victory over Mauritania, adding to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champion’s growing pedigree on the global stage.