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Senegal’s selection for the FIFA World Cup 2022 is nothing less like a script. The Kalidou Koulibaly-led team thrashed Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the penalty shoot-out after Mane scored the last goal from the spot. Interestingly, Senegal had defeated the same opponent less than two months before to take their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy home in the penalty shoot-out. So, there is a lot to expect from this young and vivacious team in this “Winter World Cup.” It is their third participation in the World Cup having played in the 2018 and 2002 World Cups.

As always, Senegal is a tough team to beat in this world cup as well. With quality players and a balanced side, Senegal is nothing less than a European team. It will be interesting to see them perform in Qatar this year. So, before the tournament begins officially, have a look at Senegal Squad Qatar World Cup 2022.

Senegal Squad Qatar World Cup 2022

Senegal in the World Cup – Their Past Performances

Senegal was sensational in their first-ever participation in the 2002 World Cup held in Japan & South Korea where they beat the defending champions France and drew against Denmark and Uruguay to reach the round of 16. They further advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Sweden by a 2-1 margin in the knockout stage. In the quarter-final, however, they lost 1-0 to Turkey after İlhan scored a golden goal in the 94th minute of the match.

After their first World Cup experience in 2002, Senegal failed to qualify for the next three editions of the tournament, only making their comeback in the Russia World Cup in 2018. Their second World Cup appearance was worth remembering, not because of their performance but because of the way they were eliminated from the group stage.

Senegal was grouped with Japan, Colombia, and Poland in “Group H.” As the group stage matches finished, Senegal and Japan had the same points (4), the same goal difference, and the same goal scored on the table. So, FIFA applied the fair-play rule for the first time in the history of the competition to eliminate Senegal and advance Japan to the next round. Senegal was behind in the fair play as they had received more yellow cards than the Japanese players.

Senegal’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Team

Senegal has built a star-studded team, literally. Top-class players like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, and Sadio Mane know how to operate at this level.

Senegal is strong in defense as well as in attack. They have only conceded more than one goal in a match once since October, which came against Liberia, who beat them 2-1 in July 2022.

Abdou Diallo, Pape Abou Cisse, and Kalidou Koulibaly are dependable forces at the back in front of their in-form goalie Mendy. While Ismalia Sarr is in a form of his career so far and is capable of fashioning some creative goal-scoring scenarios for Mane.

Meanwhile, talking about their weaknesses, their dependence on Sadio Mane is their greatest disadvantage with Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhou an unconvincing set of striking options.

Besides that, Senegal doesn’t have that much bench strength apart from their starting eleven. That might cause a severe impact given that there is a high risk of injuries due to the mid-season World Cup.

Senegal World Cup Group and Their Group Stage Matches

Senegal is placed in group A alongside Qatar, Ecuador, and the Netherlands. They will play their first match against the Netherlands on the 21st of November at Al Thumama stadium. Here is the full schedule of Senegal’s group-stage matches.