Arouca’s squad looks a little different these days, with manager Vasco Seabra missing a few familiar faces. Two of his international players, Amadou Danté and Jansonas, swapped their club colors for national jerseys this past Thursday. Both men stepped onto the pitch for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, playing for their home countries.
Danté, a sturdy left-back, played a full 90 minutes for Mali. His team secured a decisive 3-0 victory against the Comoros Islands. He was a key part of a defense that kept a clean sheet, helping Mali kick off their World Cup campaign strongly. It’s a proud moment for the defender, leaving his mark on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Jansonas, Arouca’s most recent summer signing for the forward line, also saw action. He came off the bench for Lithuania in their match against Malta. His team fought to a 1-1 draw, and Jansonas entered the game in the 76th minute, bringing fresh energy to the attack. Both players show that while club football pauses, the dream of a World Cup never sleeps.