France and Senegal don meet again for World Cup, first time since 2002 when Teranga Lions shock di world by beating Les Bleus 1-0 for di opening match. Dat victory send Senegal go quarter final, their best ever outing for di tournament. Now, 24 years later, di two teams go face off for Group I for MetLife Stadium for New Jersey.
Senegal don dey think about dat 2002 victory as dem prepare for tonight match. Dem don struggle for World Cup since then, unable to keep clean sheet for 11 matches, and their best na last 16. But coach Pape Thiaw get team wey no fit write off, even if pre-World Cup friendlies no show convincing form.
Kalidou Koulibaly wey miss last two months of season with thigh injury don return. Di former Chelsea centre-back play eight minutes as substitute against Saudi Arabia for final friendly, and fit start against France. Nicolas Jackson wey dem send off for two yellow cards for dat same friendly no go face suspension, and e go lead di line with Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye for support.
France, on di other hand, dey hungry to reclaim di trophy dem lose to Argentina for Qatar 2022. Coach Didier Deschamps wey win di cup as player for 1998 dey try make history by winning again. On paper, France get one of di most complete squad for di 48-team tournament. William Saliba wey get back injury during Champions League final don recover and fit start alongside Dayot Upamecano for defence.
Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe dey guaranteed to start for attack, while Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Desire Doue dey fight for di final spot. For Senegal, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr dey provide midfield energy, while Sadio Mane and Ismaïla Sarr dey flank Nicolas Jackson. Di match don already produce drama for first half, with Senegal hitting post and missing open net. Di game dey live on Guardian.
