Fans in Africa believe Senegal would have been too hot to handle had they had Sadio Mane in the squad during their 2022 World Cup campaign.
The Teranga Lions beat Ecuador 2-1 courtesy of goals from winger Ismaila Sarr and captain Kalidou Koulibaly to become the first African country to qualify for the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
Supporters, however, feel they would have sealed their place earlier and go far had the Bayern Munich forward, who was ruled out of the tournament by an injury, been around.
This is for Mane
A big congratulations to Senegal the first African country to make it to the round of 16. I am supper happy. Sadio Mane, this is for you. – @sarahprincessst
It hurts not to have Mane around
Nothing in this World Cup hurts as much as not seeing Sadio Mane alongside the Senegal squad. Get well soon Champ. – @isaacmofe010
Senegal would be unstoppable with Mane
This Senegal team would have been unstoppable in the World Cup if Sadio Mane was playing.
@imbrakoby
Senegal has qualified to the Round 16 of the World Cup without Sadio Mane. This team is good, imagine he plays? – @I_Am_Winter
Koulibaly eased Mane pain
Koulibaly made the people of Senegal forget about Sadio Mane with that match winner. – @obrempong__
Senegal are through to the Round of 16. What a game they played against Ecuador. Kalidou Koulibaly, what a player, captain fantastic. Sadio Mane will be delighted. – @am_Obinna
Nigeria should follow Senegal’s example
Despite losing Sadio Mane their best player, Senegal are progressing to #Qatar2022 knockout stages. All Nigeria needs is unbiased players selections by [Jose] Peseiro to be at the next World Cup. – Ibukun Aluko
Cisse deserves more respect
I’m furious at people still sleeping on Senegal coach Aliou Cisse who qualified Senegal for the World Cup for the first time in 16 years in 2018, won Afcon in 2021, and now advanced from the group stages for just their second time ever without star man Sadio Mane. Absolute Legend. – @SMadeforu
Senegal reaping fruits of hard work
Senegal have come a long way, from the Africa Nations Cup to the World Cup qualifiers and now coming out of the group stage without Sadio Mane. The ride doesn’t have fairy tale written all over it, it is down to proper scouting, hard work and sheer determination from this team. – @StanleyMikeCB
Koulibaly replaced Mane
Congratulations Senegal, we’re proud of you guys. Fantastic performance, [Kalidou] Koulibaly you’ve taken Sadio Mane’s position perfectly. Carry the team to the final bro. – @shaddymm1
Koulibaly stepping in Sadio Mane’s shoes to make sure Senegal qualifies, best defender ever. -@obrempong__
Senegal where they should be
The whole of Africa tipped Senegal to go far in this tournament. Gradually, they are making the progress we want. Well done Teranga Lions. – Adu Kofi Tutuskele
We have always tipped Senegal to do well in this World Cup and that is exactly what they have done notwithstanding the loss they suffered at first. This is one team that the African continent is confident won’t disappoint. – Mathew Oyeniyi
Semi-final possible
The only African team I trust to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in history. Congratulations to Senegal. – Bra Joe
Source: goal.com