Senegal – England’s next opponents. What to expect?
The reigning African Cup of Nations champions finished second in Group A. After an opening day 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands, The Lions of Teranga secured their passage into the Second Round with victories over Qatar and Ecuador.
Their star man Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, but they have still scored five goals. These goals have come from five separate players, so they are dangerous from all over the park.
Senegal needed a victory in their final game against Ecuador – and secured this twenty minutes from time thanks to a winner from Chelsea’s Koulibiay. It was only one of three shots on targaret that Aliou Cisse’s men managed to get on target during the game against the South American side, despite taking 14 shots at goal.
As well as winning the most recent African Cup of Nations, Senegal have reached the two previous finals and will be tough opponents for Gareth Southgate’s men on Sunday. Comparisons of England’s tough game in the 1990 World Cup Quarter Final against another African side Cameroon springs to mind.
In that game, David Platt scored his second goal in two games before Cameroon scored twice to gain a surprise lead. Two penalties from Gary Lineker, one in normal time before a match winner secured England’s place in the semi final. We all know what happened there…
Whoever wins on Sunday will face the winners of France vs Argentina on Saturday 10th December.
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