'Qatar Will Be Tough Opponents on Home Soil' Says Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane

Senegalese football player Sadio Mane underlined his country's aspiration to reach advanced stages in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, stressing that Qatar National team, which has been drawn in Group A along with his team, will be tough opponents on home soil.

Mane, who has been chosen as the best player in Africa this year, said in an interview with FIFA, "Qatar will be tough opponents on home soil. Just like us, they head into the World Cup with a status to defend as Asian champions. We cant go overlooking any of the teams in our group. Well have to be wary, focused and, above all, just take one game at a time.

Mane praised the achievement of the Senegalese team in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, saying: "The 2002 generation are our role models. That team put Senegal on the world football map. They rewrote our nations history and were their heirs. Theyre record-breakers and all records are there to be broken. I can tell you now that well be heading to Qatar with a clear idea of our strengths and will be giving our all to get as far as possible. I know thats also what our predecessors want to see from us. You only have to look at just how emotional they were when we lifted the Africa Cup of Nations earlier on this year. If you get the chance to interview the legendary El-Hadji Diouf, hell tell you that hed love to see us go all the way at this World Cup." The Senegalese team will start their journey in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 against the Netherlands on Nov. 21 at Al Thumama Stadium; then will meet Qatar National team on Nov. 25 also at Al Thumama Stadium. The will meet Ecuador on Nov. 29 at Khalifa International Stadium.

(QNA)