Senegal had hoped to bully Japan in their World Cup match in Yekaterinburg on Sunday but after being held to a 2-2 draw the African side conceded they were outfoxed by their opponents' movement and technical ability.
Midfielder Keisuke Honda came off the bench to salvage a 2-2 draw for Japan against Senegal, as both teams were locked at the top of Group H following an entertaining encounter on Sunday.
It was perhaps fitting that the World Cup match between Senegal and Japan – whose fans have received international acclaim for their cleanliness in the stadium – ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday in Yekaterinburg.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse criticised his team for letting Japan equalise twice in their World Cup Group H game on Sunday and said he expected more from central defenders Kalidou Koulibaly and Salif Sane.
Despite having to twice come from a goal down to secure a 2-2 draw against Senegal in Yekaterinburg on Sunday, Japan boss Akira Nishino wanted to go for the win that would have all-but secured his side’s passage to the last-16.
Senegal brought in midfielder Badou Ndiaye in place of Stoke City team mate Mame Biram Diouf while Japan named an unchanged side for Sunday's World Cup Group H match.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was momentarily lost for words on Saturday when asked by a Russian journalist about his growing status as one of the sex symbols of the World Cup.
Senegal are not unduly worried about taking on Japan in Sunday's Group H clash despite the Asians possessing plenty of technical quality across the pitch, the African team's coach Aliou Cisse said on Saturday.
Senegal striker Sadio Mane said his team was ready for Japanese efforts to neutralise him in Sunday's World Cup clash and reminded his opponents there is more to the African side than just one player.
Japan will mark Senegal's Sadio Mane with up to three players in Sunday's World Cup Group H clash but his influence will still run deep throughout the African side, Japanese head coach Akira Nishino believes.