Senegal's strength in numbers

Seneglese fans have had plenty to cheer about

By BBC Sport Online's Martin Davies in Kayes

Senegal's players and coaching staff say they are pleased with the way that they have qualified for the last eight in Mali.

After topping their group with a goal-less draw against fellow World Cup finalists Tunisia, Salif Diao said he was delighted that the players had performed better as a unit.

"We have been talking together since the last game and it paid off today" said the giant midfielder.

The game is about twenty two players and not eleven

Bruno Metsu

"Against Tunisia we saw something better than in the first two games and in the quarter final you will see the real Senegal"

Coach Bruno Metsu made 10 changes from the side that defeated Zambia to guarantee qualification.

"The game is about twenty two players and not eleven" Metsu said.

But the message at the moment coming from the Senegalese camp is that results matter most.

Fadiga on the mend

Kalilou Fadiga who limped away from the stadium after the Zambia game did not feature at all against Tunisia. But he told BBC Sport Online that he is recovering well.

"I am working everyday and I hope that I will play against DR Congo," he said.

The Senegalese are still being considered, and focussed in their approach and as is often the case with this side with so many French connections, they use the World Champions as their example.

Salif Diao said: "Look at France, that was a squad that won the World Cup and not just eleven and we are looking to draw on that."