With Senegal set to get their World Cup underway when they face Netherlands later today, boss Aliou Cisse has opened up on the devastating loss of star player Sadio Mane after he was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. 🇸🇳 More here ➡️
Las week, the reigning African champions were dealt a huge blow when it was confirmed they would be without their No. 10 for the duration of the showpiece due to a tendon injury he sustained in Bayern Munich's second-last match before the tournament, against Werder Bremen.
"We are not just talking about Senegalese people but people around the world and the whole football family is saddened," he said ahead of their opening World Cup clash against the Netherlands on Monday evening, according to"He represents the African continent as well as Senegal. I have received phone calls from around the world."We have a strong team as well, with experienced and young players ready to rise to the challenge.
Senegal have never lost the opening match of a World Cup, having claimed victories in their previous two curtain-raisers in 2002 and 2018, against France and Poland, respectively. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, revealed that he recently spoke to his former Liverpool teammate Mane and admitted that his Dutch side will be keen to capitalise on the 30-year-old's absence on Monday."As a friend, I just wanted to know how he was. I feel sad for him. I know how hard he worked for this and he wants to be important for Senegal," the Oranje skipper said.
"He has been important in the last few years especially. It is tough. Obviously he will be a big miss for them.
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