Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has full support of coach Aliou Cisse as the Teranga Lions prepare to face the host Nation Qatar in the second Group A Match.

Mendy’s performance in the first match against the Netherlands came under microscopic examination after conceding two late goals.

Cisse has come to the defense of his number one at a pre-match press conference on the eve of the clash against Qatar on Thursday; “Edouard is doing very well, he has got a steely resolve,” Cisse told the media.

“His qualities speak for themselves. I don’t think that anyone is doubting him, sometimes he has highs, sometimes he has lows. He has my trust and that of his teammates. Tomorrow he will be on the pitch.”

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly says the team must bounce back and pick up the three points.

“We do want to come to the World Cup to play and just go home, we want to go forward in this competition. We know that if we want a win tomorrow it will be difficult but we keep on believing,” Koulibaly told reporters.

Senegal is without star man Sadio Mane and it was clear to see that the team missed his services in the first game. Koulibaly acknowledges the difference Mane brings to the team even when he is not playing.

“Even if he is not here with us he is speaking to us; we know how important he is and this is a good spirit and mentality which is good for us. We all know he will continue being behind us. When he speaks all the Senegalese listen and I speak to him daily,” Koulibaly added.

The Teranga Lions will be expected to raise their game and find the scoring boots when they lock horns with host nation at the Al Thumama Stadium tomorrow Friday.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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