The Teranga Lions will stare eyeball to eyeball against Ecuador and look to land a sucker punch so as to get a round of 16 ticket.
With the Netherlands top of Group A and set to sweep aside already eliminated team Qatar, second place in Group A is up for grabs.
Ecuador have the advantage: a draw will be enough for them. Senegal must simply win or go home.
Gustavo Alfaro has insisted his Ecuador side won’t just play for a draw on Tuesday. Alfaro wants to make it to the Round of 16, but his star man’s fitness could sabotage to hid plans.
Enner Valencia’s three goals in Qatar have only been matched by French superstar Kylian Mbappe. The Ecuadorian captain fired two against Qatar and another against the Netherlands.
The forward was the target of tough tackles and admitted he had “played with pain” in their second game – leaving on a stretcher in the dying minutes. A knee sprain was later diagnosed.
Valencia is determined to play a role against Senegal. Alfaro said: “He has a big heart and wants to be in every battle for our national team. His leadership is something we always need.
“If he is not ready from the start, I hope he can be there at some point, but I have confidence because I know he will want to be there. He is fiery. »
For Senegal, Cheikhou Kouyate remains out after being carried off on a stretcher in his country’s opener.
Below are the possible starting line-ups for both teams ahead of their match at Khalifa International Stadium on November 29.
Ecuador (3-4-3, right to left): 1. Galindez (GK) — 25. Porozo, 2. F. Torres, 3. Hincapie — 17. Preciado, 20. Ibarra, 23. Caicedo, 7. Estupinan — 19. Plata, 11. Estrada, 16. Sarmiento.
Injured: Enner Valencia
Suspended: Jhegson Mendez
Valencia will no doubt do everything he can to start against Senegal, but if he is not fit on time, it could be 20-year-old Brighton striker Jérémy Sarmiento replacing him.
Jhegson Mendez is suspended after two yellow cards in the first two games and will likely be replaced by Romario Ibarra.
Ecuador have no injuries or problems beyond that of their star player and otherwise look in good shape to play against Senegal.
Senegal’s possible XI
(4-2-3-1, from right to left): 1. E. Mendy (GK) — 21. Sabaly, 3. Koulibaly, 4. A. Diallo, 14. Ismail Jakobs — 11. Ciss, 6. N Mendy — 15. Diatta, 5. I. Gueye, 18. I. Sarr — 21. Dia.
Injured: Cheikhou Kouyate
Suspended: None
Senegal’s attacking plans were shattered when Sadio Mane was left out of the 2022 tournament.
Now their midfield has also taken a hit, with Cheikhou Kouyate injured.
The Nottingham Forest star landed awkwardly after challenging for the ball in the opener against the Netherlands, and was carried off on a stretcher. He was dropped from the game against Qatar and will also miss the game against Ecuador.
The game will be played at 5 pm at the Khalifa International Stadium
