Sadio Mané led his nation to a first Africa Cup of Nations title in February. Now, it’ll try to make noise in just its third World Cup—but it’ll need its star to be healthy.
After making just its second World Cup appearance in Russia, Senegal announced itself on the global stage earlier this year. The Lions of Teranga entered the Africa Cup of Nations as one of the favorites and left with their first title. A penalty-kick victory over Egypt in the final (the first of two such wins in quick succession) was a milestone achievement for a side that deserved recognition for its plethora of talent.