Qatar vs Senegal: World Cup hosts take on reigning African champions in Group A clash
Qatar and Senegal will be looking to secure their first points at the FIFA World Cup 2022 when they face off on Friday at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha at 13.00 UK Time.
Qatar lost their opening fixture against Ecuador, to become the first host country to lose an opening match in the history of the tournament.
A win will keep their hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 alive.
Felix Sanchez could field the same starting eleven as he did against Ecuador as there are no injury concerns for the Spaniard.
Senegal lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in what seemed likely to end in a draw. Cody Gakpo scored the first goal in the 84th minute, to break the deadlock against a stubborn Aliou Cissé’s side. Davy Klaassen tucked away a rebound deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-0 victory over the reigning African champions.
More injury woes for Senegal
Senegal will be without Cheikhou Kouyate who was stretched off after he sustained an injury during the match against Netherlands. It is possible that Abdou Diallo will not be available for selection. He was forced off an hour into the game after picking up a knock.
The Lions of Teranga are without their main man, Sadio Mané. He picked up an injury during the last game for Bayern Munich, ruling him out of the tournament.
Last time out
In their opening fixture, Qatar were stunned by Ecuador’s high pressing football, which is similar to Senegal’s approach. Felix Sanchez and his men must contain the high press by Senegal if they are to take anything away from the game.
Aliou Cissé’s team felt the absence of their record goal scorer and main man Sadio Mané. They will look to go into this game being much more clinical in the final third. They must take their chances early to put the game to bed. Senegal’s high pressing approach will be key in breaking down Qatar who seemed disorganized against Ecuador.
Qatar have the pressure of being the host nation. They will need to bounce back from their defeat to Ecuador. Certainly, they will be out to get a result from the Group A clash.
Senegal will go into the game looking to be the first African country to register a win at the tournament. The reigning African champions will have to make do without Mané. Ismaila Sarr could be the one to step up in his stead.
This is a must win game for Qatar and Senegal, if they stand a chance of qualifying for the round of 16 of the World Cup.
