Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has tipped Senegal to make it out of their group at the next year’s FIFA World Cup.

The former captain of the Ivory Coast national team was fielding questions during his visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania when he was asked who he thinks among African teams will progress from the group stage at the upcoming tournament in Russia.

“Group H wouldn’t be too strong for Senegal. It reminds me of Ivory Coast’s group in 2014 (World Cup) which included Colombia, Japan and Greece,” the 39-year-old striker said on Tuesday.

Senegal are drawn against Poland, Colombia and Japan in the group and Drogba says it is a good opportunity for them to make Africa proud.

“Senegal have every chance to progress from the group, however, they need to impose their physical strength in order to dominate,”he added.

Despite his fears, Drogba has backed current coach Alissou Cisse and his squad to do better.

“It is not a balanced group, but a difficult one though. We can even say very difficult. However, from what we have seen in Senegal team, I think they would be able to qualify to the next stage. ” he concluded.

The Lions of Teranga is among the the five countries that will represent Africa at the mundial, with Morocco,Egypt,Nigeria and Tunisia also flying the continent’s colors.

Africa’s best position since debuting in 1934 has been quarter-final berths achieved by Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana in 1990, 2002 and 2010 respectively.