Senegal's World Cup squad 2022: Is Sadio Mane playing in this World Cup?

Alongside Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa, Senegal is one of the countries with the most success in football in Africa. There are only five African teams in the 2022 World Cup, with Senegal being one of them. Read on to learn more about Senegal's World Cup squad.

How good is Senegal's football team? The Lions of Teranga, regarded as one of the best national football teams in the world in 2022, is currently ranked 18th globally by FIFA with 1584.38 points. This article will give a detailed account of Senegal's complete World Cup squad list for 2022.

Senegal's World Cup 2022 campaign

The triumph of the Lions of Teranga to their current position as one of the strongest teams in the World Cup 2022, is inspiring. Before we learn more about the journey made under Senegalese national football team manager Aliou Cisse and his soccer stars, let us explore Senegal's World Cup history.

Heartbreak as France lose top striker to injury 5 days to the 2022 World Cup

Football

How many times has Senegal been to the World Cup?

Senegal made its debut on the global football stage in 2002 and was eliminated in the tournament's quarter-finals. With this, they became the second African team to go as far as the quarter-finals in the World Cup.

When Senegal's national football team appeared in the 2018 Russia World Cup, they were eliminated in the group stage by FIFA because of the controversial World Cup fair play tiebreaker rule.

During the 2022 CAF World Cup qualifiers, Senegal dominated the Egyptian Pharaohs during the penalty shoot-out. Mohamed Salah, the prolific Egyptian footballer, was targeted with lasers by Senegalese fans causing him to miss a crucial penalty that saw Egypt knocked out of the World Cup.

Mother of Ghana-based player named in World Cup squad breaks down in uncontrollable tears

Football

Senegal's 2022 World Cup squad

Is Sadio Mane playing in this World Cup?

Brazil's World Cup squad 2022: Who is in, out, and why?

Football

Initially, Mane was named to the team's roster amid doubts over his health. The Bayern forward had gotten injured during a match against Werder Bremen, days before the World Cup. Although Mane intended to play despite his injury, Senegal confirmed his absence from the squad two days before the tournament began.

Who is the captain of the Senegal football team for World Cup 2022?

Regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Kalidou Koulibaly is the captain of Senegal's squad. The centre-back, who refused to raise the AFCON cup by himself, spoke to the media and expressed his hopes for an African win at the World cup. He said,

“African nations are lacking self-esteem and self-awareness that they can really win a World Cup. We consider that going past the group stage is a good thing. I don’t think that the French or the English team are happy with going through the group stages — they want to go further. We should have the same mindset. That’s what I am trying to bring to Senegal. I think it’s time that an African country delivers and wins the World Cup, because we are a very talented continent.”

Canada's World Cup squad: Find out the full roster of team Canada in Qatar

Football

Who is the coach of Senegal's national football team?

Former PSG, Lille, Birmingham, and Portsmouth defender Aliou Cisse has been in charge of the Lions of Teranga since 2015. Since then, he has led the team to their first AFCON trophy and two World Cup qualifiers. Speaking to the New York Times, he revealed his ambitious desire to win, saying,

In 2002, we went to the World Cup to discover the competition. We were there to learn. Now, we’re here to compete. African teams are going to Qatar to win. When I look at my goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, I have nothing to envy, say, France or Spain. Kalidou Koulibaly is as valuable as Brazil's Marquinhos or England's John Stones. Hugo Lloris is not better than Édouard Mendy."

He also spoke on the unfairness of the FIFA policies to African countries. He added,

In Africa, we are 54 countries, and only five teams qualify, while Europe has 13 spots. We exist. We have great players. We have contributed to the development of soccer. We should be able to play our part. Give us the possibility to exist, and we’ll have more chances to go to the semis and the final and to win.

Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey reacts after cruising win against Switzerland

Football

Who are the best players in Senegal's national football team?

The Senegalese football players have provided numerous European teams with incredible victories. One such player is team skipper Kalidou Koulibaly who is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world right now. Here are some of the best players in the 2022 World Cup.

4. Nampalys Mendy

Leicester City's defensive midfielder, Nampalys, has distinguished himself as one of the best players in Senegal. His Infogol stats currently stand at 14 passes per match with an 86% pass completion rate.

3. Iliman Ndiaye

Former Rising Ballers player Ilman Ndiaye's impact at Sheffield added to his status as one of the most brilliant stars in Senegal's squad. The midfielder has appeared in 21 Champions League games for Sheffield and scored nine goals with two assists.

2. Idrissa Gueye

Everton's Idrissa Gueye has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Statistically, Gueye has the most passes completed (885), the most tackles won (60) and the most interceptions (39).

Black Stars captain Andre Ayew breaks Asamoah Gyan's record to reach new milestone

Football

1. Edouard Mendy

Chelsea's current goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, has risen to become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in 2022. The Yashin Trophy runner-up who helped Chelsea lift the FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League paved the way for Senegal's triumph at the 2022 AFCON tournament, and hopes to do the same for his nation.

Senegal's World Cup squad for 2022 is paving the way for numerous African teams. It is also inspiring hearts to believe in an African victory despite the circumstances.

READ ALSO: The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Sportsbrief.com recently published an article about several top football players who did not receive a call-up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. While some of the most talented football players sitting out the tournaments have faced ill-timed injuries, others were left out for tactical reasons.

RC Lens midfielder proud to make Ghana debut after starring in Switzerland friendly

Football

Click on the link above to find out who will miss out in the biggest football tournament in the world, and why.