The Teranga Lions looked like they were on course to getting their first points of the competition, but they capitulated in the closing embers
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was the villain of the night, as his clangers ensured that Senegal suffered a 2-0 loss to Netherlands in their opening game of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Teranga Lions locked horns with Netherlands in their first fixture of the World Cup in Qatar, and it was always going to be a tough task considering the quality inherent in the Dutch team.
Senegal looked very good, and had a sturdy backline. They matched everything Netherlands threw their way and even had chances to score they were however profligate.
After holding on for 82 minutes, Senegal succumbed to their European opponents, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was complicit.
The Chelsea man misjudged Frenkie De Jong's deep cross, and he was beaten to the ball by Gakpo, who headed the ball into an empty net.
Senegal went in search of an equaliser in the closing embers of the game, leaving their backline exposed, and they paid for it.
Netherlands went on a quick counter after the Teranga Lions lost the ball in midfield. Memphis Depay struck a shot towards Mendy, but the Senegalese shotstopper only parried the ball to his near side, and Klaasen took advantage of the opportunity to poke in Netherlands' second and seal a 2-0 win.
Nigerian fans have taken to social media to berate Senegal for their loss. However, others believe that the Teranga Lions still have a lot to offer.
@AbimbolaLameed Oga crystal come and carry your brother Mendy abi na kepa Senegal put for post
— Tijani Ibrahim temitope (@temitope_noni) November 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/Elpee71/status/1594759655259099136?t=4Cmd311x2lJVkR2_pIsruA&s=19
https://twitter.com/iamhectorjoe/status/1594756155171029017?t=pHQyJqGgHZ-Cj6gsgHHTiA&s=19
Senegal losing this game after holding on for so long is actually a sad summary of Africa football, we have so much energy and skill but that little extra focus at crucial moments that separates Champions from also-rans is what we lack
— Storyteller tó ń ṣe Tech (@beebayuu) November 21, 2022
Blame Mendy less but rather Senegal as whole team who are not clinical enough at the front. Dutch two o target was converted while Senegal had more than 4 on target and couldn’t convert any.
— adebayor (@boyounstopable) November 21, 2022
Senegal can still Qualify Sha
They just have to beat Qatar like 5/6
Pray Netherlands beat Ecuador & then draw Ecuador & they are through— Your Neighbor (@Fiks_daniell) November 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/iam_tallblaqboi/status/1594753913630113800?t=sW5GsP63y-DaWnlCSLcyUQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/Theayindetobi/status/1594753550479134720?t=Tp3T2Ric8XqH2PHDEVr0qQ&s=19
This games ends 0-0 without Mendy. He is a net negative for this Senegal team. Horrible goalkeeping.
— 'Dayo (@_Paash_) November 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/Kodeman_/status/1594751858316296214?t=zITqi3-JA4bXfCcV4_mjjw&s=19
Senegal can be proud of that performance.
— Deji (@xDeji) November 21, 2022
Senegal players been trying and doing their bits all game thinking they have a semi-competent goal keeper that can do his own, but they thought wrong.
— 'Dayo (@_Paash_) November 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/iam_tallblaqboi/status/1594749540455825425?t=WA-ZI1wzpBp3pEOO7TQOpw&s=19
