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Senegal national team head coach Aliou Cisse has lauded  Teranga Lions’ performance against a determined Uzbekistan in an international friendly match played on Friday in Casablanca.

Senegal in their first World Cup warm-up matches were held 1-1 by Uzbekistan with Moussa Konate equalising after the Teranga Lions had fallen behind.

Cisse explained that he was happy with the way the team performed and also opined that his side’s missed opportunities.

“The performance of the team was good. We were trying a new playing style and it worked well despite the draw. I am happy with everyone, ”said Cisse as translated from French.

“We created so many chances but failed to convert them into goals. I will make few changes in our next game against Bosnia.

“We will win if we play together. We must continue working hard because we are heading to a big competition.”

Senegal  fielded a much-changed line-up compared to their earlier matches and it was Uzbeks who took the lead from a 19th minute penalty kick by Otabek Shukurov before Konate strike in second half.

A missed chance from Diafra Sakho could have won the game for Senegal when he botched a cross from Stade Rennes club mate Ismailia Sarr right in front of goal with two minutes left on the clock.

Senegal, who now travel to France to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in Le Havre on Tuesday, rested their two leading players, Sadio Mane of Liverpool and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, on the bench.

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