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Senegal star Sadio Mane admitted Norway were the better side during the teams’ second group-stage clash at the 2026 World Cup, acknowledging that the Lions of Teranga fell short of their usual standards in a 3-2 defeat against Norway.
The Senegalese national team fell to a second consecutive defeat after losing 3-1 to France in its opening match, leaving its World Cup future in serious doubt ahead of the final round of group-stage fixtures.
Mane said, in comments reported by SeneNews: “I think we are all disappointed. We entered the match determined to claim all three points, but unfortunately, the team was below its best this evening.”
The Al-Nassr star made no excuses for the defeat, acknowledging Norway’s right to celebrate victory.
He added: “I think Norway deserved to win.”
Despite the damaging setback, Mane stressed that Senegal still has a chance to keep its World Cup hopes alive, urging his teammates to regroup quickly ahead of the next match.
The captain of the Lions of Teranga said: “We will try to bounce back as quickly as possible, starting from tonight, and prepare for the next match. There is still everything to play for, and we must keep fighting.”
When asked about Senegal’s chances of reaching the Round of 32, Mane responded decisively: “Of course, of course,” indicating his belief that qualification remains within reach despite the two consecutive defeats.
The former Liverpool star concluded his remarks by adding that the only way to rescue Senegal’s campaign is to put the defeat behind them as quickly as possible, saying: “We must bounce back as quickly as possible and do everything we can.”
After failing to pick up a point from its opening two matches of the tournament, Senegal must now win its final group-stage match against Iraq, in hope other results go its way to keep its qualification hopes alive,
