Eddie Mungai

The Lions of Teranga have made a statement of intent for this World Cup. Yes, it is widely known Sadio Mané is a lethal attacker and doesn’t shy away from the grand stage. Followers of the Premier League are aware of the strength, stamina, and work-rate of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyate in the midfield. But their defensive stability is clearly their focal point and will be their greatest asset this World Cup.

Taking a look back at the first two rounds of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, Senegal only conceded five goals in eight games, bested only by Morocco, who conceded just one goal. In the recent friendlies against Bosnia and Luxembourg, they each ended in 0-0 draws. Some may see that as frustrating, but I commend that defensive approach by the Senegalese. Too often in the World Cup, African teams have a tendency to play attacking football, but they neglect defending. And the scheduling of opponents during these friendlies is intentional by Senegal: three away games against European opposition (the third game will be against Croatia) and their last game against South Korea before departing for the World Cup.

Senegal’s opponents in Group H are Poland, Japan, and Colombia and they will play them in that order. It seems like the coaching staff is prioritizing their first group game against Poland, hence the three warm-up games against European opposition. Without any scheduled friendlies against South American opposition, they see Poland as their most ominous threat for second place and they believe Colombia will top the group. So by the time they face Colombia, they can just settle for a draw if they win against Poland and Japan.

Let’s hope things bode well for the Lions of Teranga!