FIFA World Cup 2022 African Team Profiles – Senegal

Senegal will be appearing in their third World Cup finals, and are tipped as the African nation to make the most impact at the tournament. Not only are they the defending African champions, but they have a squad filled with superstars from back to front. Sadio Mane’s late injury has hogged the headlines, and it is now confirmed that he will be absent from their campaign.

A Decent Group

According to ELO Ratings, this is the easiest group at the World Cup, with an average ranking of 1808. The Netherlands are the standout name on paper, with Opta’s model giving them as high as a 65% chance of winning the group. The Lions of Teranga are slight favourites for second, just ahead of Ecuador, with Qatar predicted to be 4th, by both Opta & FiveThirtyEight.

Squad Profile

The Senegal captain in their famous 2002 run is now the head coach and has built a tournament team that reached consecutive AFCON finals, winning the latest. In Eduoard Mendy, they have an experienced (albeit out of form) keeper, while Koulibaly, Kouyate and Gana Gueye are the other pieces to a tried and tested spine. Ismaila Sarr, Kreppin Diatta and Real Betis’ Youssouf Sabaly will also add their know-how.

How Can They Progress?

Senegal were unlucky not to progress at the last World Cup, becoming the first (and only) team in World Cup history to be eliminated based on fair play (they finished level on points, goals and goal differences, but had more yellow cards than Japan). If this Group is a reward for that misfortune, then maybe it is well deserved. Yet, they can not take anything for granted, in particular against the hosts. Qatar may not be a big football name, but they have spent a decade preparing for this event (mainly through their other-worldly Aspire Academy). Throw in the host factor in the mix, and they could easily be the surprise package. 

Key Game: Ecuador

The Ecuador game could be the key game for Senegal. Opta gives the South Americans a 27% chance of coming second, just behind Senegal’s 31%. FiveThirtyEight are even closer (29% for Ecuador v 30% for Senegal).

Key Player

Sadio Mane would have been the main man. His absence is a blow but even without him, Senegal should have enough to progress from this group. In his absence, Watford’s Ismaila Sarr will likely carry the goal burden and should he step up and score a few goals in the group, that could carry them through. They have won their opening game in both previous World Cup appearances and will be keen to continue that streak in Qatar.