Bayern Munich forward and reigning African champion Sadio Mane has penned a message to his Senegalese teammates who will be in action this evening without him at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal will be without their talisman who led them to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year after being ruled out of the World Cup due to an injury.
Mane who underwent surgery last week wrote on his social media pages: “Many of you have sent messages of support following my injury. Thank God, the midweek surgery went well. I wanna take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all.”
He said he is confident the players in the Senegalese will deliver and fight as a unity this evening in their opening Group A match.
“This Monday, our dear country will compete in the World Cup, Qatar 2022. I am sure the Lions will transcend and approach every game as a true finale,” wrote the 2022 CAF African player of the year award winner. “I am also convinced that all Senegalese will be in front of their small screens to support and encourage our valiant national team.”
“Like all the unconditional in the Taniere, I am convinced that the teammates will fight as one man and as they usually do in order to honor our dear country. Long live Senegal, come on!” concluded the former Liverpool FC forward.
Mane has since been replaced by R.S.C. Anderlecht left-back Moussa Ndiaye who flew to Doha yesterday to join the Teranga Lions camp.
Senegal will begin their campaign at the Qatar World Cup today against Group A favorites the Netherlands.
Both teams will seek to overthrow Ecuador who took the lead in the group after beating hosts Ecuador 0-2 in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.
