Cisse still confident of qualifying for World Cup

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Mar 27, 2022. 16:00

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse insists all is not lost after a 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Friday put his side’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup in jeopardy.

A bizarre own-goal from Saliou Ciss in the fourth minute settled the first leg of this playoff qualifier between the two teams that contested the Africa Cup of Nations final last month.

The African champions had opportunities to get back into the match at the Cairo international Stadium, but they lacked composure in front of goal as the Pharaohs held on for victory.

Cisse feels the Lions of Teranga deserved more on the night and is backing them to turn things around in the second leg at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on Tuesday.

“The Senegal team must keep all its serenity and calm for the return match despite the 1-0 defeat recorded against Egypt since it does not reflect the state of play and this must allow us to be confident for the qualification to the World Cup,” he told the press.

“We have to stay calm and work to improve our efficiency, that’s what was missing in tonight’s game. Egypt only scored on their only chance of the match and we just have to work to be more effective in both legs.

“I am satisfied with the game produced by the players, we must focus on efficiency for the second leg.

“But nothing is lost, we have a second leg to play at home, we have to work with a view to reversing the result. We are confident in our capabilities. We are going to improve and seek the victory that will qualify us for the World Cup.”