Despite the fact that Senegal will be without its talisman Sadio Mané, they will be determined to put in a good showing and inflict further misery on Qatar.
The two sides lost 2-0 each in their opening game and will focus more on this crucial encounter to restart their campaign with Qatar being the first host nation in World Cup history to lose their opening fixture and will be keen to prevent another loss and consequently, an early exit from the competition by getting a good result against Senegal, who also lost their first game.
Felix Sanchez has no injury concerns going into this encounter and may not effect any significant change as compared to their previous lineup. The coach remains confident in his charges.
Qatar, many have predicted still looks to be as one of the first teams to leave the competition but the fixture hands them a lifeline that could be utilized as they battle the disappointed African champions.
While comparing Qatar’s first show to theirs, it is easy to say Senegal are favorites going into this tie as the 2002 quarterfinalists presented their previous opponents with questions to answer.
Despite Senegal’s confidence in surging forward and excellence in distorting the flow of the Netherlands, they conceded twice after 80 minutes to suffer a 2-0 defeat.
The Senegalese will look to translate this to on-the-pitch success and take advantage of the weaknesses the Ecuador team exploited in the opening game.
On their part, the Teranga Lions who conceded two late goals to the Oranje due to a goalkeeping error and defensive frailty will have to step up their game.
Among the main concerns of the Senegalese team will be Cheikhou Kouyate, the Nottingham Forest midfielder who was stretchered off during Senegal’s loss to the Netherlands. Abdu Diallo may not return in time after limping off in their previous game. Aliou Cisse would be more courteous but adventurous in the all-important encounter.
Before the final Group A matches on November 29th, both clubs must avoid losing at the Al Thumama Stadium, which has a capacity of 40,000, to ensure the only remaining chance to stay in the competition.
