Mané and Doku aim to regain form before Senegal vs. Belgium World Cup clash
via SeneNews3 min read
Senegal's Sadio Mané and Belgium's Jérémy Doku, key players for their national teams, have not yet delivered their best performances at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to improve before their round of 16 match in Seattle on Wednesday. Doku, a 24-year-old Manchester City forward, was anticipated to shine for Belgium after a strong Premier League season. However, he played a subdued match against Egypt due to a respiratory infection and missed the game against Iran to be with his wife for the birth of their son in London. This trip caused controversy as Norwegian defender Leo Ostigard remained with his team and watched his wife's childbirth via FaceTime. Doku started against New Zealand but was substituted at the hour mark. The Belgian press hopes he will perform better against Senegal now that his health issues are resolved. Sadio Mané, ten years Doku's senior, is playing in his final major international tournament with the Lions of Terranga. The former Liverpool forward, now with Al-Nassr, started all three group matches but did not score, though he provided an assist against Norway. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw expressed full confidence in Mané, calling him an "extraordinary" and "technical leader" who contributes defensively and is an "example for African and world football." Senegal may be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy due to injury, with Mory Diaw replacing him. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly's performance will also be scrutinized after errors in the match against Norway. F
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the Senegal national team, has confirmed his full physical readiness and availability for the upcoming World Cup 2026 round of 16 match against Belgium, scheduled for Wednesday at 8 PM. The Al-Hilal defender stated that the decision regarding his potential starting position rests with coach Pape Thiaw, emphasizing that his primary focus is being fit and available for the team. Koulibaly acknowledged recent physical setbacks but highlighted his intensive efforts to prepare for the World Cup, expressing gratitude to the medical and technical staff of both the national team and Al-Hilal for their support. He also noted his happiness to represent Senegal. The captain's inclusion in the starting lineup remains uncertain, especially after he was benched during the 5-0 victory against Iraq, a match that saw the team's best defensive performance following their first two games against France and Norway. Despite this, Koulibaly expressed confidence ahead of the decisive match, stating that the team will strive to perform well and secure a victory, asserting that they have nothing to prove after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.