African champions Senegal will kick-off their World Cup campaign later today against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama stadium without their talisman, Sadio Mane.
The Bayern Munich forward has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury.
However, Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse expressed sadness but assured that Mane’s teammates will rise to the occasion.
The Dutch side will also be missing the services of Memphis Depay, who scored 12 goals during the qualifiers, due to hamstring injury.
Netherlands and Senegal are meeting for the first time with history favouring both sides.
The Terenga Lions of Senegal have never lost an opening match in the World Cup. In 2002 they defeated the defending champions, France by a lone goal and defeated another European side, Poland 2-1 in 2018.
The Orange Gang of Netherlands have played against African oppositions four times. They have won three and drew one. So they have never lost to an African side.
Recall that Ecuador defeated host and debutant Qatar 0-2 to top group A ahead of today’s game between Senegal and Netherlands.
