Beaten by France in their opener, the Lions of Teranga are already under pressure. Against Erling Haaland’s Norway, Senegal can no longer afford a slip in Group I.
The start did not go Senegal’s way. Outplayed by France (3-1) in their opening match, Pape Thiaw’s men already have their backs to the wall. Norway, meanwhile, look formidable: top of Group I after thrashing Iraq (4-1), they can lean on an Erling Haaland who already has a brace to his name. On Tuesday, at 2am French time, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Senegal will be playing for much of their World Cup future.
But the Lions have weapons of their own. With Kalidou Koulibaly marshalling the defence, Sadio Mané pulling the strings and Nicolas Jackson up front, Senegal have enough to trouble anyone. A defeat, on the other hand, would all but end their hopes of reaching the round of 32. Africa is holding its breath: this Norway vs Senegal, live on beIN Sports, could seal the Lions’ fate in the tournament. The verdict comes overnight.