World Cup: Former Super Eagles Coach Rohr Suggests What Can Happen to Senegal Without Sadio Mane

• Senegal will file out against The Netherlands in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
• The Teranga Lions will be without their captain Sadio Mane, but Gernot Rohr says there is no cause for alarm
• The former Super Eagles coach disclosed that the African side can bank on Kalidou Koulibaly’s experience

A former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr has suggested that Senegal can do well at the 2022 FIFA World Cup - even without Sadio Mane.

Team captain Mane has been ruled out of the global showpiece following an injury, as he underwent successful surgery in Germany.

The Teranga Lions begin their campaign at the World Cup on Monday when they take on The Netherlands in a Group A clash.

But even though the Bayern Munich forward will not be available, ex-Nigeria coach Rohr believes Senegal have what it takes to spring surprises.

World Cup 2022: Sadio Mane missing as African champions Senegal arrive in Qatar for global showpiece

Football

He told Wettbasis via Complete Sports:

“In Sadio Mane, they have a star who can make the difference on his own and in Kalidou Koulibaly, a very strong, athletic defender at the backs."

Rohr also mentioned the longevity of Aliou Cisse over the past six years.

"You have several tactical options,” he added.

Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco and Tunisia are the other teams from the continent that will compete at the competition.

Sadio Mane reacts

Meanwhile, Mane has now rallied fans to get behind Senegal, even in his absence.

Sports Brief reported that in a message shared on Instagram, the two-time African player of the year also gave an update on his surgery.

"Thank God, the surgery I had in the middle of the week went well. I wanna take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all."

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

Football

Oliseh roots for Senegal, Morocco

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh, who is in Qatar as a match expert for FIFA, has tipped Senegal and Morocco to fly Africa's flag high at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana, Cameroon and Tunisia are other African teams at the Mundial, but Oliseh suggested that the Teranga Lions and the Atlas Lions have impressed him most.

Sharing his views on various topics, Oliseh emphasised the importance of data for analysts and coaches, as he hinted at what should be expected from African teams.