In February, Senegal secured their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after beating Egypt on penalties. The Netherlands have also enjoyed considerable success in their continental exploits, topping their Nations League group and notching two morale-boosting wins against their Benelux rivals, Belgium. Monday’s match will likely represent the greatest challenge in Group A for both teams, who will fancy their chances against Ecuador and Qatar, ranked 44th and 50th in the world, respectively. 

Virgil van Dijk, a talented center-back for Liverpool, was scheduled to face Sadio Mané, a prolific goal scorer and former teammate, in the match at Al Thumama Stadium. However, this year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up picked up a leg injury playing for German champions Bayern Munich and has been ruled out of the tournament, in a big blow to the African champions that has left its supporters in shock. “We know that we have lost a great leader but I think that there will be more players that will show themselves and we must be ready,” defender Kalidou Koulibaly said. 

Midfielder Nampalys Mendy agreed. “We have to be ready, ready before any eventuality, it’s true that the absence of Sadio will harm us enormously … because he is an important player. We have players of great quality too, so we are confident in our quality, and we will do everything to show it.” Senegal are expected to claim at least one point against the Netherlands, however, even with the absence of their star player. At the back, both teams boast several world-class options. Van Dijk is joined by the likes of Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt for the Oranje. Senegal can rely on Chelsea’s Koulibaly and RB Leipzig’s Abdou Diallo. In between the sticks, Senegal seemingly have the upper hand with Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy. Despite the goalkeeper's inconsistent play this season, what the Netherlands offers cannot compare to his international experience. Additionally, Dutch manager Louis van Gaal has yet to settle on his number one. 

The Netherlands are, however, the favorites to top this group that consists of Senegal, Qatar, Ecuador, and themselves. “We have players who play at the highest level, the biggest clubs in the world. We have experience. We have talent. We have a good mixture. But first and foremost, we have team spirit. And I think that’s the start and the key to success. It’s not guaranteed success, of course, but it’s a good way to start,” van Dijk said on Thursday, while also hailing van Gaal’s leadership. “We have a fantastic manager, an experienced manager,” he added. “It’s going to be a very big one against the African champions and we’ll do everything in our power to hopefully get a good result and start our World Cup in the best way possible.”