The sorter of the Teranga Lions initiated the hostilities 54 days before the derby against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), counting for the 3rd matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, we learned on Wednesday from the Caf website.

"We are convinced that nothing will be easy. Of course, we will be expected in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Mauritania, but we are resolute. The DRC is a great team. We have a lot of respect for them. But Senegal also has the desire to qualify for this World Cup," he said in a statement given in the media.

"We have the experience, the background, and we are top of our group. Against them, we must get a good result at home, and then against Mauritania away. We have the necessary resources to achieve this. We respect everyone, but we fear no one," he added.

In the past, the two selections have faced off 7 times. Senegal has won 4 matches with one draw, while the DRC has won twice.

The last face-to-face between the two national teams dates back to 2011 for the qualifications to the African Nations Cup 2012. Senegal won with a score of 2-0.

It was in 1969 that the Leopards last triumphed over the Lions, dominating with a resounding score of 4-0.

Osée Yandi Intern