Sadio Mané: “We Are a Little Disappointed”

Sadio Mane says his teammates are a little bereft after Japan rallied on each occasion to fight back.

The Blue Samurai shrugged off favourites Senegal to ensure for a final 2-2- score.

The Asians pushed the Teranga Lions to the back foot and at one point nearly snatched victory from the jaws of draw.

Mane netted the opener before Inui restored pride for the Japanese. Then Moussa Wague whipped in from inside the box to spur the West Africans in the lead again but veteran Honda rose to the billing to grab a last-gasp effort.

As a result, Sadio says the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations finalists are little disenchanted over their showing after they initially looked assured of victory.

“Honestly we are a little disappointed because there were ways to win this game. In the first period as in the second, we did the right thing but the team did not maintain its lead. I think the split is important too,” the 25-year-old, voted man-of-the-match, broods.

Senegal must ward off competition from a much gingered up second-placed Colombia who trounced Poland three unanswered goals to breeze into the knockout stages.

“Now the main thing is to focus on the decisive match against Colombia and get the qualification in the round of 16,” the team captain said.