"No Mane, no problem" - that seems to be the feeling from the Senegalese fans as they prepare to head to Al Thumana Stadium in Doha for their opening World Cup game against the Netherlands.
Senegal will be the first of Africa's five teams to play at the tournament in Qatar.
As the supporters gather just outside Souq Waqif metro station there is a lot of optimism.
“We will definitely miss Sadio Mane today, but we the fans are going to give it all to be behind the team,” says Hassan Waly who has travelled from Washington DC.
“We have a very strong squad and winning the African Cup of Nations earlier this year gives us a lot of confidence,” says Waly.
Many fans have had long flights to get here but they are very happy that things are now getting going.
One fan, who came from Paris and had a 12-hour layover in Istanbul, shares that he slept in a mosque while waiting for his next flight. “It's worth it,” he says.
Apart from the Netherlands, Senegal are in the same group with hosts Qatar, who lost their opening game against Equador on Sunday.
As dozens of fans converge, suddenly things come to a standstill at one corner of Souq Waqif as drumbeats from the Senegal fans' drum band hit the quiet sunny afternoon.
The drummers in red, yellow and green colours attract crowds of passers-by.
Senegal have arrived.
