World Cup: Chelsea Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy Could Help Senegal Beat Unwanted Record Against Qatar

• Senegal will play host nation Qatar in their second group game hoping to redeem themselves after losing the first match
• Edouard Mendy was responsible for two goals late goals condemning the Tarenga Lions to a loss against Netherlands
• Mendy could keep a clean sheet and help Senegal do something they have not done since they famously beat France at the 2002 World Cup

Reigning African champions, the Tarenga Lions of Senegal will have redemption in mind when they play host nation Qatar in their second group A game today.

Senegal without their star man Sadio Mane lost their opening game 2-0 to the Netherlands despite holding on for 83 minutes before Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy shipped two goals.

Host nation Qatar also lost 2-0 to South American opponents Ecuador in the opening game of the tournament. The two goals were scored in the first half by Enner Valencia.

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Senegal shocked France in 2002

Senegal shocked the world at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea-Japan by defeating defending champions France by a lone goal scored by the late Papa Bouba Diop.

Senegal went to the 2002 World Cup having lost the 2002 AFCON to Cameroon; current head coach Aliou Cisse was the captain then. This time France are again world champions while Senegal are African champions.

Since that famous win over France, Senegal have conceded at least a goal in every other World Cup game they have played numbering eight, a record they will look to avoid by keeping a clean sheet against Qatar today.

Mendy to redeem himself?

Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea goalkeeper Edoaurd Mendy was heavily criticized for the two goals conceded against the Netherlands and rightly so.

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Mendy will have a shot at redemption today as head coach Aliou Cisse confirmed to Daily Mail he is still the number one and also received support from Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly.

The current FIFA Best Goalkeeper's name was once synonymous with clean sheets having kept nine in his first 12 UEFA Champions League games when Chelsea won the trophy in 2021.