After making just its second World Cup appearance in Russia, Senegal announced itself on the global stage earlier this year. The Lions of Teranga entered the Africa Cup of Nations as one of the favorites and left with their first title. A penalty-kick victory over Egypt in the final (the first of two such wins in quick succession) was a milestone achievement for a side that deserved recognition for its plethora of talent.
Senegal looks the part of a team full of veterans in the middle of their primes. Sadio Mané, who moved from Liverpool to Bayern Munich this past summer, was at the peak of his powers before an injury just two weeks before the start of the tournament jeopardized his status for Qatar. Mané is making the trip and has a shot at playing in the team’s opener vs. the Netherlands on Nov. 21. His health will prove crucial if Senegal hopes to make a run at winning the group.
But the team is far deeper than just its superstar. Idrissa Gana Gueye, who could become the nation’s all-time most-capped player in Qatar, leads an experienced midfield. At the back, center back Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, teammates at Chelsea, have been superb in the Senegal shirt.
