Senegal’s coach, Aliou Cisse, believes his side’s defeat by Egypt in the first leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff pairing is not an accurate reflection of the game.
Cisse is confident they will defeat the Pharaohs on Tuesday to qualify for the tournament in Qatar, in spite of the 1-0 loss at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
The result was a revenge for the Egyptians who lost on penalty kicks to Senegal in the final match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon last month.
Saliou Ciss scored into his own net just four minutes in, as the Egyptians took a massive lead which they jealously guarded ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.
The ball came off the crossbar and ricocheted off Ciss’ feet into his own net after Mohamed Salah had chipped onrushing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal surged forward for the equaliser but Sadio Mane’s effort in the 37th minute went just over the bar.
The Liverpool ace provided for Famara Diedhiou in the second half just at the edge of the penalty box but the latter fluffed the chance.
Egypt then defended resolutely to preserve the lead.
Cisse believes they must maintain their composure in the second leg on Tuesday to convert all their chances to qualify for the World Cup.
“The Senegal team must keep all its focus and calm for the return match in spite of the 1-0 defeat recorded against Egypt, because it does not reflect the state of play.
“This must allow us to be confident for the qualification to the World Cup,” Cissé had said after the match.
“We have to stay calm and work to improve our efficiency. That’s what was missing in tonight’s (Friday’s) game,” the Teranga Lions coach said at a press conference.
“Egypt only scored on their only chance of the match and we just have to work to be more effective in both legs.
The Senegal coach was happy with the performance of his players at Cairo International Stadium but stressed the need to convert their chances in the second leg.
He insisted this was necessary to achieve their vision of playing at the World Cup later this year.
“I am satisfied with the game produced by the players, but we must focus on efficiency for the second leg,” the former international defender said.
“For now, nothing is lost, we have a second leg to play at home, and we have to work with a view to reversing the result.
“We are confident in our capabilities. We are going to improve and seek the victory that will qualify us for the World Cup,” added the Senegal coach.
Senegal will host the second leg of the play-off for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday
