Road to Russia 2018
Senegal’s road to Russia has been impeccable. Since the appointment of Aliou Cisse, former captain of the international side, they have become unbeaten in Group D of the African World Cup Qualifiers. The captain for the 2002 side progressed further into the competition than ever before, is now leading the way for the 2018 side to do the same and more.
For the first time in sixteen years they will be featuring on millions of screens as they go head to head with some of the most renowned clubs in the World, hoping to progress as far as possible through the FIFA 2018 Russia World Cup. Senegal’s style of play in 2002 hasn’t been successfully emulated until now, at the hands of their captain turned manager. It is more than likely that these could become the bogey team for many.
Key Players
Senegal is a country rich in talent across the pitch. The experienced Demba Ba and Oumar Niasse will be given the opportunity to thrive up front once again for their country after very fruitful careers for their clubs. Kalidou Koulibaly will be doing the same in defence when the World Cup comes around, hoping to live up to the recommendation he receives at the hands of Napoli. The biggest key player of all though, would be Sadio Mane. The most expensive African player in history. Already a household name in English football due to his lovability and talent in the Premier League for Liverpool. Sadio Mane will be watched very closely by the world, and will more than likely impress.
His speed, agility and maturity in the game are attributes that many aspire to and combined are a really threatening force in football. His fellow teammates will be looking to him to create chances, give them opportunities to score goals and look to for leadership.
Young Starlet
Keita Balde Diao is the young prospect for the Senegalese international team. At only twenty two years old, he already completed one hundred appearances in Serie A whilst holding the accolade of quickest hat-trick in serie A football since 1975. Last summer he was bought by AS Monaco for around 30 million euros and has had a very successful season with them thus far. Here’s hoping he will be able to perform on the international stage in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he could become one of the surprises of the tournament if his form continues.
Key Fixtures