Pathe Ciss.Getty

World Cup: Senegal lacked realism against lucky England - Ciss

  • Senegal were among two African teams in the Round of 16
  • Lions of Teranga failed to get past England
  • Focus will change to the 2023 Afcon

WHAT HAPPENED: Senegal had hoped to make it to the quarter-finals of the prestigious global competition ongoing in Qatar.

However, they were undone by England who won 3-0 to advance to the last eight.

Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka scored for the Three Lions who are now unbeaten in eight World Cup matches against an African opponent.

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Ciss believes the Teranga Lions were punished for failing to take their chances.

WHAT HE SAID: "We lacked realism, against a great team that knows this kind of competition well. It was not a match in which you could have many chances, but you have to be able to score the few chances you have," Ciss said as quoted by Wiw Sport.

"Otherwise, it can cost you dearly. I think that's what happened to us in this match, we missed our chances and they scored theirs. We conceded goals because of mistakes that we shouldn't make at this stage of the competition. We will learn from these mistakes.

"Was there a level difference between the two teams? I don't think so, because it's a game we could win. They had two chances which they scored in the first half, while we missed three. If we had scored those chances, the match would have been very different. Luck was on England's side."

WHAT NEXT: Senegal will now focus on qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Ivory Cost. They are the defending champions after winning their maiden title at the beginning of the year in Cameroon.

The West Africans are leading Group L with maximum points after victories over Benin and Rwanda respectively.

IN THREE PICTURES:

England Senegal World Cup 2022 - Boulaye Dia John Stones Jordan PickfordGetty ImagesHarry Kane England Senegal 2022 World CupGettySenegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly.Getty

WHAT NEXT: Senegal will continue with their international duty in March against Mozambique who are second in their qualifying pool. Two teams will qualify for the biennial competition.

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