While Ecuador was awaiting its fate in Qatar on November 29, it was only the 3e time that Cissé’s Senegal faces a South American team. The Lions lost their first encounter with South American teams four years ago in Russia. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia that was fatal. This result was the reason for their exit from the 2018 World Cup. Sadio Mané and his teammates, a year later, hooked Brazil 1 -1 in friendly. The final stretch of the 2022 World Cup began this Saturday, September 24, when the African champions defeated Bolivia (2-0). The sparring partner certainly did not look great but Cissé can still note some lessons. It may take Iran (supposedly tougher than Bolivia) to draw the right conclusions.
Boulaye Dia settles comfortably at tip
Unlike 2018, Aliou Cissé did not try to experiment with a new system. The Senegalese technician, who tried a 5-3-2 before going to Russia, is much more pragmatic. He settled for a 4-3-3 with Sadio Mané who finds his left wing and Boulaye Dia at the forefront. The new Salermtana striker was quick in scoring points. He was able to ignite the fire with a cannon shot that hit the opposing goalkeeper in just four minutes. Scorer, he then combined several times with Sadio Mané and was interesting in the high pressing of the Senegalese. If Cissé still had doubts about his number 9 in Qatar, Boulaye Dia dispelled them.
Relegated to 3eRang in the hierarchy during CAN behind Famara Diédhiou and even the little Bamba Dieng, he regains his place in the Eleven. Alongside Sadio Mané and Krépin Diatta? Although the Bavarian didn’t shine, it was a characteristic of great players to be able to make brilliant strokes even in the darkest moments. He did manage to do a few accelerations. One of them led to the penalty, which he transformed. Sound 8eGoal in 12 games with the selection for 2022. Krépin Diatta, who was on the other hand his return to the Eleven after a year of absence due to a serious injury, may already have his place for Qatar. The Monegasque will need to be stronger if he is to begin the matches. He didn’t forget Ismaila Saar, whose return to full CAN was more successful.
Executives are at risk in this experimental environment
Doubts, it is in the midfield that Aliou Cissé will have many more. His young trio, which included three experimental midfielders, impressed. Pathé Ciss, for whom it was the first selection, Pape Guèye and Pape Matar Sarr, who lacked club playing time, played their part wonderfully. They pressed hard, held the Bolivians at bay, and recovered many ball very high. It is also the Mallorcan midfielder, possibly man of the match on the first goal, who puts Boulaye di in orbit. He discovers La Tanière at the age of 28 and will certainly stay there for a long time. But, can he claim a starting spot in Qatar? His performance raises doubts in the mind of the technician. His direct competitor Nampalys Mendy is not a member of a club.
Gana Guèye, Cissé’s cornerstone since 2015, may not have much to fear between now and the World Cup. But for sure, the next generation is already ready to push him to the bench like a certain Cheikhou Kouyaté. Because without the ball Pape Guèye was just breathtaking. The PMS also displayed a wide range of colors. Tottenham player was not indifferent: he pressed, raised and set pieces more than his predecessors who stayed true to the exercise. His preseason with Conte produced the desired results.
Ballo is much better than…
Without being good, Ballo Touré was much better than usual. He did not score enough points to condemn Saliou Ciss. The Milanese didn’t make a significant offensive contribution despite the weak opposition. When it was time for him to punch his ticket for Qatar, he was happy with the minimum service. Cissé will surely put Ismail Jacobs against Iran on Tuesday. Ballo could be rescued if he puts in a good performance. Ditto on Name. Moustapha, the only African champion who did not play in Cameroon, was unable to secure his place in this group. Moustapha could be out of business if Formose Mendy’s performance on Tuesday and Youssouph Sabaly’s return are not enough. It was clogged up in the middle.
𝙁𝙄𝙉 𝘿𝙀 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃 | In a crowded La Source stadium, Senegal dominated Bolivia (2-0) and won its first friendly match. The preparation matches for 2022 World Cup 2022 will see the lions take on Iran in Austria on Tuesday, September 27th. #SENBOL pic.twitter.com/468CYVQk5g
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) September 24, 2022
Source: sportnewsafrica
