By James Copnall BBC Sport, Dakar

Diouf says Gambia is no match for Senegal

Striker El Hadji Diouf has made it clear Senegal will be taking no prisoners in the Lions' crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Gambia on Saturday.

The two time African Footballer of the Year says the match will be a tough encounter.

Diouf was annoyed by Gambian claims, repeated in the Senegalese press, that the visitors would win the game.

"It won't be a match, it will be a war," Diouf said.

"It will not be a classic match, as they have threatened us," he continued.

It won't be a match, it will be a war El Hadji Diouf

"We will see on Saturday who wins the war!"

If Diouf appeared fired up, national coach Guy Stephan was ice cool.

"I am serene, confident and concentrated," he said.

"It is a very important match because of the standings in the group."

The Senegalese know that anything less than a win against Gambia could eliminate the Lions from the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

Stephan is confident of victory

"We must take charge of play from the start," Diouf said.

The Liverpool player is likely to play from wide positions, as he did to great effect in last weekend's friendly against Cape Verde. Senegal won that game 2-1.

One player who missed that game was defender Omar Daf, whose father passed away on Sunday.

"It is very sad for Omar and his family, and we would like to extend our condolences to them," Stephan said.