By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA (AA) – Senegal is set to play in the second World Cup finals in their history, taking on Japan, Poland, and Colombia in Group H.
Leading its qualification group in African qualifiers, the team managed to collect 14 points in six matches against Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Cape Verde Islands.
The team consists entirely of players playing in other countries' leagues, including such stars as Idrissa Gana Gueye, Kara Mbodji, Kalidou Koulibaly, Keita Balde, Sadio Mane, and Cheikhou Kouyate.
In their only World Cup finals participation to date, Senegal finished the 2002 World Cup in the quarterfinals, eliminated by Turkey.
Senegal's confirmed 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya), Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes), Alfred Gomis (Torino)
Defenders: Kara Mbodji (Anderlecht), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Moussa Wague (Eupen), Saliou Ciss (Angers), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Salif Sane (Hannover 96)
Midfielders: Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Stoke City), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United), Cheikh N'Doye (Birmingham City), Alfred Ndiaye (Wolverhampton)
Forwards: Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Keita Balde (Monaco), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes), Diafra Sakho (Rennes), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City), Mbaye Niang (Milan), Moussa Sow (Al Ahli Dubai)
Manager: Aliou Cisse
