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African champion Senegal was outplayed by England and given a reality check as it was eliminated in the last 16 at the World Cup.
Senegal was missing its best player Sadio Mane through injury and was also hampered by the absence of other key players against England, but still held hopes of launching a strong challenge in its first World Cup knockout game in 20 years.
The 3-0 loss was a bitter end to a disappointing campaign for Africa’s top-ranked team.
Senegal was rated the best team from Africa to ever go to a World Cup and came to Qatar with a squad full of Europe-based talent. Senegal won its first major title at the African Cup of Nations in February and that boosted confidence for the World Cup campaign. Matching its run to the quarterfinals on its World Cup debut in 2002 was the target.
Senegal lost its opening group game 2-0 to the Netherlands but beat host Qatar and a dangerous Ecuador team to reach the last 16.
But Senegal’s recent success has been largely driven by Mane, his country’s all-time leading scorer. He was ruled out of the World Cup days before it started with a right leg injury and his absence undoubtedly affected the team’s chances against England.
Read more: https://www.africanews.com/2022/12/05/what-next-for-african-champ-senegal-after-world-cup-exit/
