While England have faced African opposition 20 times, including seven at a World Cup, and have yet to lose, Senegal will try to add to the list of stunners in the round of 16 on Sunday when they take on England, who have never lost to an African team.
If Senegal are to pull off the shock they might have to do it without their inspirational leader and coach Aliou Cissé, who has been sidelined with an illness.
Adding to the challenge the African champions will definitely be without midfield general Idrissa Gueye, who is suspended for the match at Al Bayt Stadium having picked up a second yellow card against Ecuador in their final group match.
He [Cissé] has been sick for a couple of days now and he let us take charge of training yesterday, obviously with his instructions,” assistant coach Regis Bogaert said on Saturday.
“Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come and be on the bench with the players but we are sure at 10pm [9pm SA time] he will be there with the team.”
