Despite the presence of English-based stars Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Cheikhou Kouyaté (West Ham), Alfred Ndiaye (Wolves), Diafra Sakho (West Ham) and Cheikh Ndoye (Birmingham City) in the squad, former coach of Russia Anatoliy Byshovets has written off the chances of the West African powerhouse in next summer's World Cup.

Byshovets has said that the best case scenario is for Russia to draw Uruguay, Senegal and Panama in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.

''Senegal is not as well-equipped as, say, Nigeria . With rare exceptions, I do not see any stars that would show themselves brightly,'' Byshovets told Sport Express Russia.

''Plus, and experience of performances at this level is not so much.''

Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Super Eagles when both teams faced off in an international friendly at the Hive Stadium in London on March 23.

In the latest Fifa ranking, Les Lions de la Téranga are ranked the third best team in Africa and are 32nd in the world ranking.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel