We need to prepare well for round of 16 – Senegal coach Cisse
Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse says his team must do extra work in their round of 16 game with England on Sunday, December 4, at the Al Bayt Stadium.

The Teranga Lions beat Ecuador 2-1 to finish second in Group B. England thrashed Wales 3-0 to top Group B.

Cisse, who was the skipper in 2002 when Senegal reached the World Cup quarter finals, maintains that the encounter with England will be a different ball game.

"That will be a new stage for us. We know that we are moving to the knockout stages, which is completely different from what we are used to playing in these types of (group) matches," he stated after his side's qualification.

"Everyone is a good team, the best teams in the world that are competing. Therefore, we need to be prepared to come up against any side."

"It is now a win or lose situation, there are no second chances – if you win, you go through, if you lose, you go home."

Cisse said that they are going to strategized for the game with the Three Lions as they hope to secure a quarter finals berth.

"So, for the moment, we are just going to concentrate on resting and getting fit for the next game. It is as simple as that.”

Senegal's goals against Ecuador were scored by Ismaila Sarr and skipper Kalidou Koulibaly. Moises Caicedo netted for the South Americans.