Following a victory over the much-favoured Poland team in their first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup coupled with the unexpected defeat of Colombia at the hands of Japan have put Senegal in the driving seat in Group H, knowing that a victory against Japan will almost secure their entry in the next round of the multinational football tournament in their second ever appearance.
Brief History
Senegal first qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the year 2002. They were one of the biggest surprises of the tournament and started their campaign by registering a victory over a highly talented defending World Cup champions – the French team (consisting players like Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane etc)
They followed this up with two successive draws against Denmark and Uruguay and finished their group in the 2nd spot, just 2 points below Denmark.
They continued their wonderful form in the round of 16 by winning against the Henrik Larsson-led Swedish side courtesy of a Henri Camara golden goal after the match had ended 1-1 after normal time.
It was this same golden goal rule that finally ended the dream run of the 2002 Senegal squad. After finishing 0-0 in regular time against Turkey in the quarter-finals, a 94th-minute İlhan Mansız golden goal settled the match in Turkey’s favour thus depriving Senegal a chance of being the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
2018 is the second time that Senegal has qualified for this event in their history
Squad
The 23-man Senegal squad is coached by former player and captain of 2002 Senegal World Cup squad Aliou Cisse and is led by West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. 22 of the 23 members of the squad ply their trade in Europe with goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye being the only player playing outside of Europe in this squad.
Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes), Alfred Gomis (SPAL), Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya).
Defenders: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Adama Mbengue (SM Caen), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Kara Mbodii (RSC Anderlecht), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Salif Sane (Hannover), Moussa Wague (Eupen).
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United), Alfred N’diaye (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City), Cheikh N’doye (Birmingham City), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes).
Forwards: Keita Balde (Monaco), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Sadio Mane (Liverpool, England), M’Baye Niang (Torino), Diafra Sakho (Rennes), Moussa Sow (Bursaspor).
3 Key Players for Senegal
M’Baye Niang
Kalidou Koulibaly
Sadio Mane
