Senegal eye Round of 16 spot with win over Colombia

Players of Senegal celebrate the 2-1 lead during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.EPA/Atef Safadi

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Wednesday Jun 27, 2018. 12:00

Senegal will square off with Colombia in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match at the Cosmos Arena in Russia on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 16h00 CAT.

The Lions of Teranga remain undefeated at the tournament after drawing 2-2 with Asian giants Japan at the Yekaterinburg Arena on Sunday.

As a result, Senegal are placed second on the Group H standings with fours points from two matches. They have accumulated the same points as leaders Japan.

The African side will advance to the Round of 16 if they register a win or draw against a much-fancied Colombia side.

Sadio Mane and M'Baye Niang, who have both netted in this year's tournament, will be keen to score again, and help the Lions of Teranga win.

Meanwhile, Colombia recorded their first win at the tournament when they beat European side Poland 3-0 at the Kazan Arena on Sunday.

The win took the Coffee Growers to third place on the Group H standings with three points from two games. They are only a point behind leaders Japan.

The South American side will reach the Round of 16 if they defeat a stubborn Senegal side.

Juan Cuadrado scored his first goal at the tournament against Poland and he will look to inspire the Coffee Growers to victory on Thursday.

In head-to-head stats according to the FIFA.com, Senegal and Colombia have never clashed in a match.

Sebian match referee Milorad Mazic will officiate the game between Senegal and Colombia on Thursday.