Senegal's great 2002 team reached the Quarterfinals in nation's only previous appearance at a World Cup. That historic run that included a shock 1-0 win over then defending World champions France. Head coach, Aliou Cissé was the captain of that great team and his relaxed leadership style is just as effective on the sidelines as it was on the field. He was part of the staff of a Senegalese Olympic games squad that was praised for their efforts in London 2012 and his promotion to the senior head coach had made perfect sense. Critics described Cissé was tactically inept when he initially took the job. But after an undefeated World Cup qualification campaign his critics have become his supporters. He has managed to galvanize Senegal national team by building the team around their undisputed star, Sadio Mane. Mane is one of Europe's elite players and is a member of club footballs most lethal attack. But Senegal is not just Sadio Mane. Kalido Koulibaly is one of Europe's most sort after centre-backs. It seems that every window Napoli has to reject a multi-million euro offer for the defender. Young Keita Balde is a very exciting Barcelona youth team prospect who just finished his first season in Monaco after 4 seasons in Lazio. He is a winger, who can dribble, score and can see his stock take off after the World Cup. M'baye Niang was once French youth international phenom that was snapped up by AC Milan as a teenager. Niang has never quite reached the levels that he expected to get to but his inclusion in Senegal team gives Cissé another potent alternative. 

Despite having these special players in the attack and the defence, Senegal's strength is probably in the midfield, Cheikhou Kouyate, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pope Ndaiye are all their respective Premier League's starting defensive midfielders. It seems if you are Premier League team and you want a defensive midfielder, Senegal is the place look. 

Head Coach: Aliou Cissé

Population: 15 million

Appearances: 2

Best: Winners Quater-finals(2002)

How they Qualified: Senegal was drawn in a tough group alongside 2013 Afcon runners-up Burkina Faso, an unpredictable Cape Verde team and the traditionally strong South Africa. In the end, Aliou Cisse and his troops remained unbeaten finishing 5 points clear of their nearest competitor. This team has a never say die spirit, scoring an amazing 6 goals after the 75minute mark.

Star Players:   Sadio Mane(Liverpool), Kalidou Koulibaly(Napoli),Cheikhou Kouyate(West Ham FC), Keita Baldé Diao(AS Monaco), Idrissa Gana Gueye(Everton FC)  

Wildcard:M'baye Niang -The former French international only joined the Senegal national team late last year. Niang's career has been somewhat disappointing considering how highly he was rated as a younger. If he can put his head down and play he has the ability to put in some match-winning performances for the West Africans.

Legend:Henri Camara