Africa’s teams have endured a miserable start to their World Cup campaigns so far, with Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Nigeria all falling to defeats in Russia.
Admittedly, barring the Super Eagles, they’ve all been narrow losses, but it’s nonetheless represented a dismal start to the continent’s tournament.
Senegal remains Africa’s last bright hope, and showed this when they won against Poland on Tuesday, and there’s reason to believe that the Lions of Teranga will get the job done.
Here’s why:
There’s genuine defensive strength
Whereas Africa’s representatives to date have let themselves down in set-piece situations, Senegal, surely, are unlikely to fall into this trap.
They boast an athletic edge that few of the other teams in the tournament can match, and their team is full of genuinely impressive specimens who can match any side in the competition for height.
The likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Kalidou Koulibaly, Kara Mbodji and Cheikh Ndoye can be massive assets in set-piece situations, while Idrissa Gueye gives the defensive unit extra protection during open play.
The mood in the camp
Despite losing Saliou Ciss to injury on the eve of the tournament, Senegal is coming into the campaign in a relaxed mood.
The group appears very unified, and they’ve caught the eye with their collective singing and chanting during training sessions at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.
This may not mean anything when the tournament starts, but it suggests at least that the side aren’t under pressure despite several underwhelming results and performances ahead of the tournament. There’s palpable joy about this team, and they’re unlikely to be fazed by the occasion.
They have Sadio Mane
Beyond the defensive strength and the wealth of offensive options at Aliou Cisse’s disposal, Senegal also boasts one of the most in-form forwards in Europe’s major leagues.
He may have been in Mohamed Salah’s shadow this season, but Mane still managed 20 goals across the Premier League and the Champions League and is lethal on his day.
Just ask Manchester City, who were twice eviscerated by the former Southampton superstar last season. On his day, Mane can win a match single-handedly, and he could be the difference-maker against Poland.
The spirit of 2002
There’s no doubt that Senegal’s Golden Generation loom large over this Teranga Lions side. They are—unsurprisingly—the most revered team in the nation’s history, and their achievements 16 years ago will forever be embedded in the national psyche.
For some countries, that could weigh heavy and act as a burden, but for Senegal, they wear the achievements of their predecessors as a badge of honor.
The influence of late coach Bruno Metsu still lingers, and Senegal is confident that—as they did against France in 2002—they can begin their campaign with a win.
#hivisasaworldcup