World Cup preview: Senegal to make most of rare opportunity

Senegal is back in the World Cup after a 16-year absence - and it has a chance to go far.

The last time Senegal appeared in the festival of football was 2002, when a famous group stage win over France led to an unlikely quarter-final finish. The Lions of Teranga did precious little over the next decade and a half. They even failed to qualify for their own continental tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, on two separate occasions.

But times have changed. Under the shrewd supervision of head coach Aliou Cisse - who captained the national team in South Korea - Senegal has become a balanced side with star players in each outfield position. It brushed aside the competition in the World Cup qualifying phase, finishing the campaign unbeaten with four wins and two draws.

Group stage schedule

Projected starting XI

Cisse is spoilt for choice in the attacking positions. Although he used the 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations in qualifying, the wider 4-3-3 would benefit the talented wingers in the 42-year-old's squad. Sadio Mane plays in the same system at Liverpool, albeit on the left side, but he is most comfortable on the right. Monaco's Keita Balde will vie for minutes with Torino's Mbaye Niang, while Rennes hitman Diafra Sakho occupies opposing centre-backs. The backline is also resolute, with towering defenders Kalidou Koulibaly and Salif Sane expected to dominate in the air.

Related: Full squad lists for each nation

Key player: Sadio Mane

Mane is the headliner of Senegal's latest World Cup act. Expect timely runs into the penalty area and neat combination plays with his teammates. He is sometimes prone to miss easy chances in front of goal, but otherwise, he is a tour de force on the pitch. Mane never stands around waiting for something to happen - he's always in the middle of the action. He's also developed a penchant for playmaking, showing the presence of mind to slow down and spot an opening.

Breakout star: Keita Balde

A unique blend of striker and winger, Keita will keep defenders on their toes. While the 23-year-old is reluctant to defend, he's excellent on the front foot, often cutting in from the left to devastating effect. Following last summer's reported €30-million move to Monaco, Keita registered eight goals and five assists to end his first Ligue 1 campaign on good terms.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)