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Senegal in do or die tie against hosts Qatar

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Senegal Aliou Cisse. PHOTO/FSF
  • Senegal lost their first match 2-0 to Netherlands
  • They must win against hosts Qatar to retain their hopes of a last 16 berth
  • Qatar are also in a must win situation after losing their first match

African champions Senegal are faced with a must win duel at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday evening when they take on hosts Qatar at the AL Thumama Stadium in Doha.

The Senegalese, with ambitions of making it out of the group stages have to win against the hosts after losing their opening match of the tournament 2-0 to the Netherlands. Qatar themselves, as hosts, are under pressure to win, having also suffered defeat in their opening match, going down to Ecuador by the same margin.

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse remains confident that his team has what it takes to bag three points, saying they have learnt from their mistakes and have their heads high, determined to make amends.

“The group lives well despite the defeat. There were many lessons in this defeat. Senegal was not bad. We stood up to one of the best teams in the world today, ranked 8th on the FIFA rankings with world-class players,” Cisse said ahead of the Qatar match.

Cisse Satisfied with his players

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Senegal take on Netherlands in their opening match. PHOTO/Courtesy

He added; “I am very satisfied with my players. Tomorrow is a very important game for both teams. In competitions of this level, from the moment you lose your first match, you are bound to have your back against the wall.”

He expects a lot higher intensity and pressure in the match especially with full knowledge that most of the stadium will be roaring in support for the host team.

“The matches that we had to play which were at this level of intensity, pressure, importance and requirement allowed us to acquire a certain collective experience for the seven years that we have been there. It’s up to us to concentrate,” said the coach.

Meanwhile, the tactician has come to the defense of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy after his performance against the Dutch. He was blamed for both goals that they conceded, but Cisse has said as a team, they do not have a doubt in his abilities.

Mendy’s quality can not be doubted

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Senegal players during a training session. PHOTO/FSF

“The qualities of Edouard Mendy are not to be doubted. He is a boy who is indeed going through difficult times, but I have no doubts. He has my full confidence as well as that of his teammates and indeed tomorrow he will be on the pitch,” said the tactician.

Senegal have been boosted with the availability of Abdou Diallo who picked an injury in the opening match. Cisse is also hopeful that Cheikhou Kouyate, who also limped off will be available to start. Ballo Toure will however not be ready to play.

The tactician remains brave faced that with the squad at his disposal, he will be charging up for maximum points.

“Tomorrow’s game will be I’m sure and certain different from the game against the Netherlands. I have no doubt that we have attacking quality to score goals. What’s important is to be efficient, to be more of a killer in front of goal and to take chances,” Cisse said.

He adds; “Football is wins, draws and defeats. Since I’ve been here, we’ve had the chance to start all our competitions by winning the first game. Some of you reminded me of that. In Russia, we won our first match, the rest you know.”

“Today I can understand that some doubt us, but what is important is that all the players I manage want to continue writing their story, writing it for our Senegalese supporters. Keep believing and praying for the team.”

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