Senegal to Face Belgium Without First-Choice Goalkeeper in Playoff

Senegal's national football team will play their first World Cup knockout match on Thursday evening without their starting goalkeeper. Edouard Mendy, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, suffered a knee injury during Senegal's second group-stage match against Norway. He was unable to continue and was substituted.

Mory Diaw, who plays for French Ligue 1 club Le Havre, replaced him in goal. Diaw also started the following match against Iraq. The squad also includes Yehvann Diouf, another Ligue 1 player.

Senegal's head coach Aliou Cissé confirmed that Mendy traveled to Saudi Arabia for medical checks with his club beforehand. However, the coach expects the goalkeeper to be on the bench for the decisive match. "He will be with us, despite not being able to play. We are happy to see him and hope he stays with us for the rest of the tournament," Cissé said.

Senegal qualified for the playoffs as one of the eight best third-placed teams from the group stage. The match against Belgium kicks off at 11:00 PM Latvian time.