Dutch defender Ake says Senegal not to be underestimated

The lack of Sadio Mane doesn't mean that the Netherlands will undervalue African champions Senegal when the two teams meet on the World Cup Group A opener in Doha on Monday, Dutch defender Nathan Ake told reporters on Friday.

Senegal's talisman on the attack was kicked from this year's World Cup on Thursday after suffering knee injuries while during a game on the Bundesliga 10 days ago, in an enormous setback to the hopes of his country.However, Ake declared that this will not lessen the threat they confront in their home stadium Al Thumama Stadium on Monday.It's going to get difficult,he told a news conference.

Senegal is a great team with highly skilled strikers regardless of Mane. The fact that they missed from the World Cup due to an injury can be very frustrating but not just for Mane, but also.Everyone would like to see the best players in action in this stadium. The reality that Mane does not participate is a loss to the current World Cup,he stated, echoing the words of the captain Virgil van Dijk had said earlier.But we have to prepare for a difficult task, as Senegal remains extremely strong. We've studied them thoroughly.

Ake has secured an opportunity to join his Dutch back four in the past few months. "I would like to play on Monday , but we have a lot of excellent defenders available," he said.However, the manager Louis van Gaal expected to play three centre backs, the 27-year old Manchester City player believed his chances of playing against Senegal were high.He said to sportsbook betting malaysia.