Match Previews

Senegal impressed in Poland win. Only one defeat in 11. No significant injury issues, save Ciss. Little reason to change.

Senegal impressed as they sprung a surprise in their opening 2018 World Cup match, defeating Poland 2-1 in Moscow. An own goal before half-time got them on their way before Mbaye Niang got what proved the winner after an hour. Even the concession of an effort late on did not faze them.

Their form before the competition was rather erratic, although it should be noted that they have lost only one of their last 11 matches dating back to a 4-0 win over Benin in September last year.

Included in these fixtures was a 2-0 success over South Korea on the eve of this tournament, which was a game played with the idea of allowing the team to get ready to face Japan. An own goal and a Moussa Konate penalty gave Senegal the victory.

Although they scored twice in their opening game, Senegal have not been impressive going forward and have been better noted for their defensive work. Indeed, it was telling that their winner came from a defensive blunder.

A 4-4-2 system is set to be used by head coach Aliou Diarra once again in this encounter, despite the coach having primarily played 4-3-3 in qualification. Given the success that Senegal enjoyed against Poland, it would be surprising to see significant changes in their set up.

Keita Balde’s absence from the starting XI can be explained by the fact that he was struggling with injury towards the end of the campaign and is perhaps not as sharp as the coaching staff would like.

Moussa Konate, who has two of Senegal’s last four goals before the tournament, will start on the bench behind Niang in all probability.

Saliou Ciss dropped out of the squad just before the start of the competition.

Senegal’s three World Cup victories have all come against European opponents.