By Jafferson Ndhlovu,

The Lions of Teranga as the Senegalease national team are pseudonymed every now and then prepare for their second dance at World Football Extravaganza in  Russia 2018 World Cup. Can they do one better than they did last time that’s the big question.

The draw has been conducted and the technical team now has the added homework of analysing the football as game but that of the three opponents in group H.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse told Fifa press in a short statement on his reaction after the draw. “We know that all matches will be difficult and I think that my players have the quality to write some history for our football”. Said Cisse.

Group H comprising Poland, Colombia, Senegal and Japan is relatively fair and balanced. In the words of Rory Smith he writes, “Along with Group A, Group H seems the most
evenly spread. Poland was among the weakest top seeds, and Colombia will harbor ambitions of finishing first. Japan and
Senegal, though, will both see the Round of 16 as a real possibility now” that is real scenario on the ground.

Interesting its the group in this tournament with a team no single World Cup winner. Poland is arguably the only that has come close to having their on it.

On two occasions they went home with bronze medals. In 1974 in Germany and in Mexico 1982. And have been to the world cup 7 times before. Colombia to have played 7 times before at the World Cup and the African representatives are the least once. Following that of Japan 5 times.

But the one time Senegal have represented they have not disappointed at all. The golden generation of 2002. Dubbed France national side B equalled the record for Africa set by the Cameroon in the Italia 90. When The Indomitable Lions led by legend Roger Milla and a class of other stars stormed lost in the quarter finals to England.

The Lions of Teranga of 2002 had an amazing array of stars and two of those masterminding the return to the World Cup were part of that team.

Coach Cisse and goalkeeping coach Tony Silva were in that side. In fact Cisse was the captain and is the coach.

Enroute to the quarter final were they lost to Tuurkey, they beat France 1nil via a goal by towering Papa Bouba Diop. Draw with Denmark 1all. Salif Diao was the scorer. Before another 3all draw against Uruguay. They led 3 nill with goal from Khalifa Fadiga and brace from Bouba Diop.

Henri Camara had a forget pre-tournament start in Asia. Charged for nicking a neckless from shop. But the matter was resolved and player put that behind. Two goals against Sweden in the round of 16. One a golden equaliser and in extra time to win 2-1 and send the African continent into wild celebrations.

That was the quality of that generation. 21 of those 23 who went to South Korea/Japan 2002 all played there football in France. After the World Cup the doors got opened into the greater Europe for many of them.

But Senegal has had a fair share controversial characters. Apart the forgettable scandal in Korea by the most Capped Senegalease football player Henri Camara will 99 appearances plus 29 goals. There is list of set back too.

The Teranga Lions has consistently produced amazing potential world beater talents though the converted Afcon senior trophy has dodged them.

The masterful class of 2002 also included the mercurial but volatile El-Hadji Diouf, Habib Beye added Cisse the coach as well as Silva, Diop, Camara, Fadiga with the late coach Bruno Metsu. This class of player have been accused during the time that they formed sort of cabal. Influencing on who and who was brought to the team.

Ten years later at the 2012 Afcon tournament hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The star-side of Senegal had in its ranks the likes of Dame N’doye, Moussa Sow, Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse, Kader Mangane, Mamadou Niang to name few. This cream disappointed at the tournament losing all three group matches to Zambia eventual champions, Libya and hosts Equatorial Guinea.

But they picked up the pieces. Hoping to make the trip to Brazil. But Ivory Coast stopped them in their tracks.

The Terana Lions had an early scare in qualifying rounds. When they lost to South Africa. But gods where heavily in their reckoning. Fifa ordered that match to replayed as Ghana referee was found to have interfered with the outcome of the match. Basically an involvement of outside influence. He was banned for life from football activities organised under the Fifa flag.

Senegal embraced replay on the 10th of November 2017. Dispatching Bafana Bafana at the Peter Makoba stadium via 2nil score. And a ticket to Russia was bought making the final match in Dakar four days layer more of a spurring affair between Senagal and South Africa.

Poland remains the top ranked team in group H as the 7th ranked team in the world. Followed by Colombia 13. African representatives Senegal on 23rd and Japan 55.

There is an array of stars in all the four teams, that makes the whole group an interesting one and Senegal fancying their chances to go into the round of 32.

Poland brings home to Russia boys to watch in the likes of Robert Lewandoski, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Arkadiasz Milik and Grzegorz Krychowiak.

Colombia will bring an array of stars in James Rodriguez a revelation at the 2014 Brazil world cup, captain Radamel Falcao, traveler Juan Cuadrado and David Ospina.

And the Samurai Blue in Japan not to be out done. Have in their ensemble the likes of Keirsuka Honda, Shinji Kagawa, Yuto Nagamoto and Atsuto Uchida.

But the African hope in World Cup returnees Senegal, has an equally massive talent to look out for come June/July of 2018.

Liverpool talisman Sadio Mane, West Ham United’s midfielder and Captain for Senegal Cheikhou Kauyote, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli, Idrissa Gana Gueye from Everton. National vice captain in Anderlect’s Kara Mbodji and a host of other players.

These lads have massive experience playing at the highest level in Europe. And good maturity ages to there side. Should potential have produced amazing football to rekindle the 2002 allulation.

Two players in that side of note too are 33 year old veteran goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye. The a future star in the making in 19 year old defender Moussa Wagne who turns out for Eupen in the Belgium top flight league.

This side is capable of not just causing an upset but simply beat anyside. They won’t even be carrying an underdog tag in group H. Maybe in the later stages should they progress.