Senegal Captain Sadio Mane Opens Up on 2022 FIFA World Cup Ahead of Opener Against Netherlands

• Sadio Mane has dismissed claims that the Teranga Lions of Senegal are one of the World Cup favourites
• The captain has suggested that teams like France and Spain look good to claim the prestigious title
• However, Mane gave assurances that he and his teammates would do their best at the global showpiece

The captain of the Senegalese national football team, Sadio Mane has disclosed that his side are not the favourites for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Mane and his teammates are drawn in Group A and have a date with the Netherlands in their opener on November 21, before taking on Qatar and Ecuador in the other group games.

The Lions of Teranga had their best World Cup outing in 2002 in Korea/Japan, where they got as far as the quarter-finals.

Going into this year’s tournament, Senegal are the reigning African champions and many have tipped the team to do well in the competition.

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In a chat with RMC Sport however, as quoted by Complete Sports, Mane dismissed claims that Senegal are among the favourites to win the World cup.

He said:

“I don’t see Senegal as a favourite because there are other nations very far ahead of Senegal like France, Spain. We will go there with no cold and try to do what we have used to do.”

The 30-year-old has so far featured in 93 games for Senegal's national football team, scoring 34 goals.

Senegal have now qualified for three FIFA World Cup tournaments, having featured in Korea/Japan in 2022, Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

Kizz Daniel headed to Qatar

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian rave-of-the-moment artist Kizz Daniel will perform his hit track ‘Buga’ at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.

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Talented music act Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, who performs by the name Kizz Daniel, will entertain the world from the Middle Eastern country on Sunday, November 20, shortly before the kickoff of the opening match.

Qatar will face Ecuador in the first game of the international spectacle.

The 28-year-old musician revealed on social media that he would love to perform his hit single at the World Cup - and now has that honour.