Senegal will aim to secure a place in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup when they face Colombia in a Group H clash at the Cosmos Arena in Samara on Thursday, June 28, kick-off off at 16h00 CAT.
Senegal comes into their final group clash on the back of a 2-2 draw with Japan in Yekaterinbrg on Sunday. Though the result took them closer to qualification, the West Africans will be disappointed that they didn’t pick up all three points. The Teranga Lions twice led through goals from Sadio Mane and Moussa Wague, but they allowed the Asian side back into the match and had to settle for just a point.
As a result, Aliou Cisse’s side is placed second on the standings on four points, level with leaders Japan. The teams have exactly the same record (four points, four goals scored, three goals conceded), but the ‘Samurai Blue’ has the edge on fair play points.
Colombia is just one point behind: they bounced back from their opening loss to Japan by thrashing Poland 3-0 in Kazan on Sunday night. Yerry Mina, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado scored the goals as the South Americans roared back into last 16 contention.
The permutations for Senegalese progression are simple: avoid defeat and they will definitively move into the last 16. For Colombia, a win guarantees a last 16 place, while a draw will be enough for them to advance on goal difference only if Poland beat Japan in the other group match in Volgograd.
Senegal will look to Mane to once again spark their attack to life, while defenders Salif Sane and Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as midfield anchor Idrissa Gueye, will have a major role to play in trying to quell Colombia’s dangerous attackers, who will look to thrive on the playmaking skills of James Rodriguez.
Senegal VS Colombia
In head-to-head terms, Senegal and Colombia have met in just one match, according to FIFA’s statistics database. The lone clash was a friendly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in May 2014 which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Senegal v Colombia – head-to-head
Matches played 1
Senegal wins 0
Colombia wins 0
Draws 1
Senegal goals 2
Colombia goals 2