... Waiting for Manny and Doku

Seattle – AFP – Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, two potent weapons for their respective national teams, were not at the peak of their effectiveness at the 2026 World Cup, and they must quickly regain their form before facing each other in the Round of 32 tomorrow, Wednesday, in Seattle.

At 24 years old, Manchester City striker Doku (45 caps and seven goals) was highly anticipated by the “Red Devils” after a standout season in the Premier League.

However, Doku, who suffered from a respiratory infection, first played a lackluster match against Egypt (1-1). He then missed the game against Iran (0-0) after traveling to London, where his wife gave birth to a son.

This rapid back-and-forth trip, permitted by his country’s football federation, sparked controversy, particularly when Norwegian defender Leo Ostigard stayed with his teammates in the United States and merely watched the birth of his wife via FaceTime.

Doku then started against New Zealand but was substituted around the 60th minute during a convincing 5-1 victory.

Local media now hope that the Manchester City player, who has finally overcome his health issues, will show his true self against Senegal.

Mane, who is ten years older, is playing in his last major international tournament with the “Tiger Lions,” having been crowned African champions on the pitch in January before the title was later stripped and awarded to Morocco.

The former Liverpool striker, who moved to Al-Nassr and won the Saudi Pro League title last season alongside Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, started but failed to score in the three group stage matches against France (1-3 loss), Norway (2-3 loss), and Iraq (5-0 win).

Nevertheless, he had an impact on the game, notably with a decisive assist for Ismaila Sarr against Norway. Senegal coach Babacar Tiao still has full confidence in him, stating after the Iraq match: “He is doing exceptional things, he is there for the team, he has an influence, he is the technical leader of this squad, and he also helps us defensively.”

He added: “Mane became the fourth-highest African goalscorer of the 21st century in June, and he is a role model for African and world football. We know his commitment to this team, and he will give everything he has.”