Senegal lose influential defender Ismail Jakobs for must-win World Cup qualifier against Mauritania

Senegal will have to negotiate for points against Mauritania in the final 2026 World Cup qualifier without influential defender Ismail Jakobs.

Currently, the Taranga Lions sit top of Group B with 21 points, two points adrift of second place team, DR Congo. Meanwhile, qualification for the mundial will be determined tonight, as Senegal takes on Mauritania in Diamniadio in a decisive match.

Jakobs, who plies his trade for Galatasaray has sustained a knee injury, making him unavailable for the crucial game against Mauritania.

The defender was named in coach Pape Thiaw’s 26-man squad for the final two games of the qualifiers, with Galatasaray releasing Jakobs to join camp just last Saturday.

Despite playing with Senegal on Sunday and Monday, the defender id expected to miss the crucial clash.

“Jakobs has knee pain, he was going to train away from the squad, and the staff will listen to the doctors’ advice to determine what happens next.” Said coach Pape Thiaw.

Senegal will be hoping to join elite football countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and others for the biggest soccer mundial next year.