World Cup Qualifiers: How Egypt’s First-Half Ascendancy Proved To Be Too Much For Senegal – Tactical Analysis

The closing stages of World Cup qualifications to Qatar are upon us, and key deciding games are taking place worldwide.

So far, during the final qualifying round, Italy has presented itself as the biggest shock exit.

Their loss to North Macedonia midweek ended their World Cup hopes, meaning they will be absent for the second tournament in a row.

While the European qualifiers heat up, Africa’s CAF qualifiers also increase in significance.

In CAF’s third round of qualification, the ten group winners from the previous round play a two-legged home and away tie, with the five remaining teams heading to Qatar.

Out of the many interesting ties drawn within this round, Egypt vs. Senegal offers the most promise.

Only a few months ago, these two teams were battling it out to be crowned kings of Africa.

It was Senegal’s day as they triumphed for the very first time at the African Cup of Nations.

Now, these two teams meet again, fighting for a place on the main stage of international football.

Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah will try to elevate their teams to the best of their ability, but only one can survive.

This tactical analysis will discuss Egypt’s fast start and how they remained dominant during the first half.

In addition, I will look into how Senegal struggled initially but turned the tide after the interval, giving hope for the second leg.

Egypt Vs Senegal Line-up

Egypt made use of a 4-3-3 formation.

The backline comprised Mohammed El Shenawy in goal, Ahmed Fattoh, Mahmoud Hamdy, Mohamed Abdelmonem, and Omar Gaber in the back four.

In midfield, Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, Amr El Solia and Hamdi Fathi.

The attacking trio comprised Mostafa Mohamed, Trézéguet and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

The away side matched Egypt during this match regarding formation.

In goal, Chelseas Edouard Mendy with forming the rest of the back-line.

In midfield; Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gueye and Cheikhou Kouyaté.

In attack, Famara Diedhiou with a Premier League duo of Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané.

Egypt’s dominance 

As mentioned previously, Egypt used a 4-3-3, but this shape varied during different phases of play.

Both Egyptian fullbacks, Ahmed Fattoh and Omar Gaber, were stationed high and wide, resulting in Trézéguet and Mohamed Salah tucking inside and playing within the half spaces.

Quite