On Sunday night Group A kicked off with Ecuador beating the hosts Qatar 2-0.

While the Dutch are the overwhelming favourites to win this game, the Lions of Teranga will want to make a big statement in their opening game, especially in the absence of the star striker, Sadio Mané.

The Senegalese and Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, Seny Dieng, said they are playing for Mané and the continent.

“Of course, it's a blow for us,” said the QPR shot-stopper.

“Every nation here at the World Cup will miss a player like Sadio Mane.

“But still, I think that his spirit is here with us and we going to do our best for him, for our country and the whole continent of Africa to make us proud.”

This game at the Al Thumama Stadium kicks off at 18:00. At 21:00 the USA will face Wales in Al-Rayyan.

At 15:00 on Monday afternoon the Three Lions of England will face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium, while at 21:00, Wales and the USA will lock-horns at game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport