Chelsea and Elephants of Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba believes Senegal are among the top African representatives to participate in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, tipping the Teranga Lions to qualify from the group stage.
Senegal have been drawn against Poland, Colombia and Japan in Group H.
Drogba and the Elephants faced two of the above teams, Colombia and Japan, at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “Group H wouldn’t be too strong for Senegal. It reminds me of Ivory Coast’s group in 2014 (World Cup) which included Colombia, Japan and Greece,” the 39-year-old striker said on Tuesday.
“Senegal have every chance to progress from the group, however, they need to impose their physical strength in order to dominate.
“It is not a balanced group, but a difficult one though. We can even say very difficult. However, from what we have seen in Senegal team, I think they would be able to qualify to the next stage. But they have to put in place all what it takes because like every other group, all the teams are aspiring to get as far as possible in the tournament,” he said.
Senegal are returning to the world stage 15 years after their inspiring debut marked by a shock 1-0 win over then defending champions France.
The Teranga Lions were eliminated from the 2002 World Cup in Korea / Japan in quarterfinals.
