Each participating nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup has completed two matches so far and there is still plenty to play for among the African nations in Qatar. No African team has been eliminated from the race for spots in the Round of 16 and have certainly made an impression at the world football showcase, highlighted by Morocco’s excellent performance in a competitive Group F. Below we take a look at the current situation for each African team along with our observations of how the managers and players have performed so far:
Each participating nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup has completed two matches so far and there is still plenty to play for among the African nations in Qatar. No African team has been eliminated from the race for spots in the Round of 16 and have certainly made an impression at the world football showcase, highlighted by Morocco’s excellent performance in a competitive Group F. Below we take a look at the current situation for each African team along with our observations of how the managers and players have performed so far:
Senegal
Results
November 21: Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
November 25: Qatar 1-3 Senegal
November 29: Senegal v Ecuador
Group A Table
Observations
- Senegal have done well considering the circumstances and Senegalese supporters cannot be disappointed with the position they are in. If the team was told that all they needed to do to advance to the next round was defeat Ecuador, the players and their supporters would embrace the opportunity.
- Manager Aliou Cissé continues to inspire his team and his style of play is a good strategy for the World Cup. Without Sadio Mané, Senegal lacks some efficiency but the victory against Qatar gave the attack more confidence with three forwards each scoring a goal.
- Cissé changed his formation and used two strikers in their win against Qatar where the Teranga Lions were the favorites, giving him an important decision to make. Does Cissé use the same formation against Ecuador?
- Dual national Ismail Jakobs is a player that Cissé clearly likes and we all saw why with his corner kick that set up Diédhiou’s headed goal. The German-born attacking left back gave Senegal another dimension in attack with his crossing and wide play that was lacking against Netherlands when center back Abdou Diallo was forced to play out of position on the flank.
- Ismaïla Sarr is doing all he can to play at a higher level with Mané out and looks inspired to produce his best. Sarr and fellow attacking midfielder Krépin Diatta need to produce against Ecuador and have shown that they are capable so far.
- Criticism of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy continued from his struggles at club level after a disappointing opening match against Netherlands but the Chelsea shot stopper responded with a brilliant performance against Qatar. The hosts were very much in the match but Mendy’s reaction saves finished off a crucial victory. A massive confidence boost for a player who could be the difference between an early exit and qualification for the next stage.
- Senegal’s veteran leaders have so far performed at the level that was expected of them. Center back captain Kalidou Koulibaly, central midfielder Idriss Gana Gueye and defensive midfielder Nampalys Mendy will need to be at their best to give Senegal stability against Ecuador.
- Ecuador have proven themselves with their draw against Netherlands and will be a fascinating matchup against the African champions. The youth and high level of physical energy from the Ecuadorian team could cause issues if Cissé plays with a four-man midfield.