A stuttering start to the 2018 Russia World Cup for African reps has left many wondering whether Africa is ready to challenge for the trophy.

Four teams are already at a great risk of being eliminated at the first hurdle, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia all losing their opening games.

Now all eyes will be on Senegal and the the man who was part of an inspired World Cup run in Korea Japan 2002, Aliou Cisse.

Cisse was captain and now the head coach of the Teranga Lions in Russia.

The Senegal squad might not be star studded like the class of 2002 but one player stands out and that is Sadio Mane.

The forward has formed a deadly partnership with Egypt star Mohamed Salah at Liverpool which saw the Merseyside team reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Sadio Mane must now replicate that brilliance for Senegal tonight as they face Robert Lewandowski’s Poland at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

The Senegal coach has heaped praise on his captain describing the star man as a humble person and one of the greatest in the world.

“Some players never change their attitude when they hit it big but some become super stars and want to be seen with musicians and other celebrities,” said Cisse.

Can Mane redeem Africa tonight?

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer