Mane-less Senegal face tough challenge

AFRICAN champions Senegal open their World Cup campaign with a daunting challenge against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium today at 6pm.

The biggest stars on the planet have descended on Qatar but some have been relegated to mere supporters of their nations, one of them being inspirational Senegal captain Sadio Mane.

The Bayern Munich forward will play no part in the global showpiece after rupturing his right fibula while turning out for his club in the Bundesliga.

This means coach Aliou Cisse will have to turn his head to other faces in the changeroom as the Lions of Teranga look to upset the odds against a powerful Dutch team.

The 30-year-old Mane’s influence on this Senegalese side can not be understated as he almost single handedly won the last Africa Cup of Nations and took his side to Qatar via a play-off match, on both occasions dismissing Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.

However, without the talismanic Mane, Cisse will have suitable replacements in Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and Boulaye Dia, who turns out for Serie A club Salernitana. Sarr has scored six goals, along with four assists, in 17 matches already this season while Dia has recorded eight goal involvements in 14 games for his club.

The most difficult test for Senegal is expected to come from the opposite end as they look to shut-down the offensive prowess of the Oranje. While Barcelona man Memphis Depay struggles for fitness, Dutch teenage sensation Cody Gakpo is set to light up this year’s World Cup campaign for coach Louis Van Gaal’s men.

The Africans are expected to go deep into the tournament but will have their hands full in this encounter. The Netherlands have only lost twice to an African team in their history, winning 12 matches and drawing five.