Kara Mbodji: We want to do better than the class of 2002

Kara Mbodji of Senegal celebrates his goal with teammates

Monday May 28, 2018. 18:44

Senegal defender Kara Modji says they must rise to the occasion at the 2018 FIFA World Cup next month.

The Lions of Teranga defender says they want to do better than the class of 2002 which reached the quarter-finals of the global showpiece.

Mbodji was speaking to the official FIFA website, saying it would be fantastic if they reach the knockout stages.

The Anderlecht defender backed their coach in Aliou Cisse as someone technically gifted to lead the West Africans to glory.

Mbodji has just recovered from an injury that kept him out of action for five months and has expressed delight upon his recovery.

“He (Cisse) has a lot of experience and that really helps us. Aside from the 2002 World Cup, he’s played in lots of Africa Cup of Nations competitions and we’re lucky to have a coach like him. God willing, we’ll achieve our objectives,” said Mbodji.

“It’s only natural that we want to go further than the generation of 2002.

“We have to rise to the occasion at the World Cup. We need to get past the group phase and then go as far as we can. It would be fantastic for us and the people of Senegal if we did better than in 2002.

“It’s been a long absence – five whole months. It’s not been easy for me but I’m happy to be back on the field of play. I have to work hard now to be ready for the World Cup.”

The West Africans are in Group H together with Poland, Japan and Colombia.