The Teranga Lions from Senegal Are on the Prowl
The Lions of Teranga are on the prowl as Senegal prepare to pose a strong African Challenge this World Cup. Led by the legend, named Sadio Mane, Manager Pape Thiaw has assembled a terrific side which has the ability to take on the very best in business.
Senegal is the best team from Africa
Senegal had a seamless, undefeated qualifying campaign. They also won the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Morocco in a controversial final. And though the Lions have been stripped of their title as of now, the fact remains, that Senegal were the best side in the tournament.
Sadio Mane Is Carrying The Hopes of A Nation
Sadio Mane, 34, has been a towering figure for his team and has played an extremely crucial role in the success which Senegal has achieved in the last few years. His vision, ball skills, temperament, and great finishing ability have been witnessed by all. His stints at Liverpool and then with Al-Nassr in the Saudi League have been exceptional. He carries the weight of a Nation’s hope and expectations on his shoulders.
Manager Pape Thiaw Has Been Good With The Team Too
Manager Pape Thiaw, too, has been terrific with the side, barring an unnecessary blemish in the AFCON Finals, where he suffered a brain-fade moment.
Mendy & Koulibaly Are Secured in Defence
Edouard Mendy in goal is a good bet, while Kalidou Koulibaly will be the rock on which the Senegalese defence will rest.
The Midfield is Talented
The midfield is the one which can really turn it on for the Lions of Teranga. Pape Gueye, Pape Sarr and Lamine Camara, along with Habib Diarra ( who was excellent with Sunderland this season), are the ones to watch out for.
The Attack Is Exceptional
The Senegal attack, however, is simply top class with Sadio Mane leading a very promising bunch. Bayern’s Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye are sharp, pacy and have the ability to score.
The Lions Are Placed in the Group of Death
Senegal are placed in Group I, the group of death, so to say, with France, Norway and Iraq in the mix. France are title favourites, while Norway have been in incredible form this year. Iraq, too, may be tricky to handle.
Senegal to draw Inspiration from their 2002 Victory over France
Senegal will need to draw inspiration from their win against France in 2002, which had taken the world by surprise, when they meet the French on June 16 in New Jersey. The Lions play Norway on June 22 and then travel to Toronto to close out the group stage with their match against Iraq on June 26.
Senegal Have The Depth
Senegal have the depth and talent to go all the way. The question is whether they can be consistent enough and survive the long tournament without lowering their guard.
The Team
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahly), Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC)
Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Assane Diao (Como).
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