Cisse Set to Unleash Keita on Colombia

Monaco Marquee acquisition Keita Balde Diao is on the cusp of being unleashed today up against a fired up Colombia.

The former Barcelona sensation had to make do with settling for a place on the bench with Ismaila Sarr preferred down the right wing.

Senegal let their lead slip off their grip after Japan had to come from behind twice to draw –a match of which a win could have seen the West Africans through to the last 16.

As things stand, they will have to labor hard to get past a much revived Colombia. Hoping to ensure this is achieved, gaffer Aliou Cisse is ardent on giving the squad bit of a revamp which could mean Keita being accorded a place.

The 23-year-old erstwhile Lazio dribbler is a massive personality and plays for one of Europe’s heavyweights in Monaco.

However, he had to contend with a spectator role in the last two outings against Poland and Japan. His continuous sidelining has inevitably raised eyebrows.

Cisse yesterday confirmed that the Spain-born could get involved, insisting he’s not being pressured to field the player, saying Keita’s inclusion comes out of necessity given Colombia, like Senegal, are a physical but fast forward playing team.

Victory guarantees Senegal automatic passage, making them the only African team to reach this stage after four of the continent’s other representatives got booted out.