World Cup 2022: How Mane’s Absence Cost Senegal Against Netherlands, Adepoju Explains

• African champions Senegal bowed to the Netherlands in their Group A opener at Qatar 2022 World Cup
• Late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave Louis van Gaal's men all three points in the game
• Super Eagles legend Mutiu Adepoju claims Sadio Mane's absence was felt by Senegal who were not just clinical on the night

Nigerian legend Mutiu Adepoju has revealed that Sadio Mane’s absence played a role in Senegal’s 2-0 World Cup defeat to the Netherlands.

How the Netherlands caged Senegal

Notwithstanding a brave display inside Al Thumama Stadium, late strikes from Cody Gakpo and super-sub Davy Klaassen subdued the reigning African kings.

Senegal fail to take their chances

The Lions of Teranga created a handful of scoring opportunities, albeit, the attacking trio of Krepin Diatta, Boulaye Dia, and Ismaila Sarr were unable to get past impressive goalkeeper Andries Noppert.

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In his assessment of the Group A fixture, the former Super Eagles midfielder claims that Senegal missed their inspirational talisman Mane.

What Mutiu Adepoju said

“Senegal played well but the absence of [Sadio] Mane was felt against the Netherlands,” Adepoju told Sports Brief.

“If not for injury, the Bayern Munich superstar’s form and contribution would have been a plus for the Senegalese team upfront.”

Mane – who finished second only to Karim Benzema at the Ballon d’Or awards – has been in superb form in 2022 for club and country.

His injury setback while on duty for his Bundesliga outfit is a big blow to the West Africans’ ambitions in Qatar. Regardless, coach Cisse still boasts plenty of quality in his squad.

Even at their loss to the Dutch side, Adepoju is not ruling out the prospect of Senegal qualifying for the Round of 16 – while suggesting how they can make that happen.

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He continued: “The first match of every World Cup match is very important, however, that does not rule them out of qualifying for the knockout round.

“With this result, they know that they must win their next two fixtures to qualify for the Round of 16, anything short of that will mean they are out.”

Adepoju satisfied with World Cup

The former Real Madrid star also thumbed up the standard of the global football showpiece which is just two-day old.

“Judging by the matches played so far, I will score the standard high,” Adepoju added.

“Take England’s 6-2 whitewash of Iran as an example, that’s what we want to see in this tournament – goals.

“There are so many big matches to be played and I can only hope that the tempo is maintained.”

Senegal will hope to get their first win of the tournament against hosts Qatar in Doha on Friday.

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Sadio Mane breaks his silence

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sadio Mane has finally broken his silence after being ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar.

Mane suffered a tendon injury while playing for Bayern Munich and had hoped to make a quick recovery to return for Senegal before the completion of the group games.

However, Mane was forced to withdraw after it became crystal clear his injury would require surgery - and thus a longer period to recover.

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