Qatar may swap out first-choice goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb for today’s crucial World Cup meeting with Senegal in Group A.
After a 2-0 defeat by Ecuador on Sunday, Qatar became the first host nation to ever lose their opening match of the tournament and will be the first team to be eliminated should they suffer the same fate at Al Thumama this afternoon.
Goalkeeper Al Sheeb was arguably the most shaken during his country’s World Cup debut, in which they appeared to have the nerve to take over and Meshaal Barsham is now fighting for a start.
Senegal also lost their opener 2-0, thanks to two late goals from the Netherlands and another dangerous goalkeeping performance from Edouard Mendy. He will keep his place, but there may be changes ahead of him.
Cheikhou Kouyate was forced off against the Dutch and has a torn hamstring, while defender Abdou Diallo has similar problems. Head coach Aliou Cisse could also bring in extra firepower in the form of Marseille forward Bamba Dieng.
Qatar predicted XI:
Al Sheeb, Al-Rawi, Khoukhi, Hassan, Miguel, Hatem, Boudiaf, Al-Haydos, Ahmed, Ali, Afif
Senegal predicted XI:
E Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Toure, N Mendy, Gueye, Cisse, Diatta, Dieng, Sarr, Dia