Senegal needs a win against Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday, November 29, in the final Group A match of the 2022 World Cup.
The 2002 Mundial quarter finalists are hoping to make it to the round of 16 and only a win against Ecuador could make that dream a reality.
The Teranga Lions lost their opening game 2-0 against the Netherlands despite dominating proceedings for 85 minutes. They defeated host nation Qatar 3-1 in the second Group game.
Ecuador on the other hand won 2-0 against Qatar in the opening game before drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands in their second outing.
Whereas Senegal needs victory to sail through, only a draw could grant the South Americans the ticket to the second round which will be their second time in history. The only time they achieved that feat was the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Senegal have played South American teams twice in the history of the World Cup and they are yet to pick a win. In 2002, they led Uruguay 3-0 but allowed them to crawl back with the game ending 3-3.
Again during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Senegal picked four points from their opening two games and needed just a draw against Columbia to qualify to the round of 16, but they lost 1-0 through a Yerry Mina 74th minute header.
Ecuador on the other hand are making their fourth appearance at the world's greatest soccer fiesta. This is going to be the first time they will lock horns with an African opponent.
The South American were lively in their two games and showed quality from defense all the way to attack.
Skipper Enner Valencia remains the most experienced player and the live wire of the team. The Fenerbahce forward netted three goals in two games already and would be very instrumental if they are to get the needed results against the African champions.
Senegal are begining to show brilliance in attack. Famara Diedhou, Boulaye Dia and Krepin Diatta lifted their game against Qatar and helped the Teranga Lions in the final third of the field.
In terms of injury, Senegal has no new injury situations with the exception of central midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate who was stretched off against the Netherlands and looks doubtful for the final Group game.
On paper, it looks like an uphill task for Senegal. But if they are able to get their tactics right, they can sail through.