Erling Haaland has backed Senegal to do ‘really well’ at the World Cup in Qatar, confident that they are the best African team at the tournament.
The Manchester City talisman, who has enjoyed an explosive start to his career at the Etihad with 22 goals from 16 appearances so far, will not travel to Qatar as Norway failed to qualify.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup this month, Haaland has tipped Senegal to go deep in the tournament, following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph in February against Egypt in the final.
When asked by SuperSportTV which African team was the best at the tournament, Haaland said: “I think Senegal will do really well.
“They are a strong team and they have so many strong players. So I think Senegal will do the best out of those.”
Coached by former Portsmouth midfielder Aliou Cisse, Senegal head to Qatar with a star-studded squad.
They are able to call on the likes of Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane, Everton midfield anchor Idrissa Gana Gueye and Chelsea duo Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
Mane scored his country’s decisive penalty against Egypt in the shootout to hand Senegal their first-ever AFCON trophy in February.
The African nation, who have been drawn in a seemingly kind group alongside Holland, Ecuador, and hosts Qatar, could face England in the last 16.
Gareth Southgate’s side would need to finish top of Group B with Senegal second in Group A or vice versa.
They are looking to become the first African team to go beyond the quarter-finals at the World Cup. Senegal, Cameroon, and Ghana have all been knocked out in the last eight before.
Meanwhile, Haaland is fighting for fitness ahead of Manchester City’s clash against Fulham tomorrow, having missed the last two matches through injury.