SENEGAL will carry the hopes of a continent in today’s showdown against Colombia in Samara.

The Lions of Teranga need a point to guarantee a spot in the last 16 as the only African side left after Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia bowed out in the group stage.

But Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 27, insists they aren’t worried, saying: “It is something positive, rather than pressure.

“We know the whole continent is supporting us, it is highly positive. We are football players and know we have Senegalese people behind us.

“We have to end with flying colours and do our utmost to get into the round of 16.”

After opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Poland, Senegal were brought down to earth by Japan, twice losing the lead to draw 2-2 on Sunday.

But coach Aliou Cisse vowed his side will be going all out for victory today, saying: “We want to win, the instruction is to play to win.

“The Colombia team that I have seen against Poland and Japan was very fit and highly committed. I would say it’s the same with the Senegalese players.

“We are ahead of them by a point in

from EDDIE KIRK

the group and have to be defeated by them. It is not easy to beat Senegal.”

Colombia are also full of confidence after Sunday’s 3-0 rout of Poland.

Coach Jose Pekerman said: “Morale is very high and we need to be optimistic, especially if you look at what happened in the last match.

“We also need to remember that a World Cup is a short tournament and three points are important here.

“It could have been hard to turn it around but we did get the win and now we have the strength and confidence.

“They have great individual footballers and are very strong physically.

“It is a very, very tough match because going through is at stake. There is going to be pressure, there is going to be tension and uncertainty.”

Pekerman has lost midfielder Abel Aguilar to a thigh injury.

But key players Cristian Zapata and Arsenal keeper David Ospina are likely to be fit after recovering from minor injuries.