In 2002, Senegal took the world by storm when they defeated Sweden led by the Henrik Lassen and Fredy Ljumberg joint attack but sadly, lost out to turkey in the quarter as the Africans got applauded for their bravery. Consequently, some of the team members made big moves to Europe which included Henry Camara, Tony Silva, Aliou Cisse (then captain, now coach) Ferdinand, El-Hadj Diof, Papa Bouba Diop and many others. Sadly, ever since, Senegal has not made a significant appearance at the world cup and would have done so in 2018 but couldn't make it pass the preliminary round as they lost out on yellow card differences. Since then, the new crop of new players have shown tenacity and the drive to succeed. In 2019, the team appeared in the nation's cup final but lost and then won in the 2022, against Algeria with Sadio Manè inspiring them victory. Coming into Qatar, eyes were on Senegal to see how far they would go under the tutorage of Aliou Cisse. Few days to the festival, talisman Sadio Manè pulled out of the team as he picked up an injury. Consequently, hopes we're dashed as many felt that Senegal now stood a little and or no chance of making pass the first round. However, with players like Ismalia Sarr, Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly mentoring their team mates to believe that they can.