Diouf gutted at World Cup exit

Diouf: Disappointed after failure

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El-Hadji Diouf has told skysports.com of his bitter disappointment after Senegal were dumped out of the 2010 World Cup.

Senegal - who reached the last eight of the 2002 World Cup finals, the only one they have ever qualified for - looked well placed to be one of Africa's dominant sides.

Most of their squad enjoy playing in Europe's top leagues - but they could not stop themselves from going out of the qualifying at the first stage as Algeria won Group 6 and Gambia came second, leaving Senegal in a lowly third.

Diouf admits he and his fellow players have been left shocked by their demise and insists they are to blame and not just the coach Lamine Diaye - who has lost his job,

"I am very disappointed about our elimination, the federation has decided to sack the coach Lamine Diaye, but he is not the only one who failed, we are all responsible for the elimination," the Sunderland star told skysports.com.

"it is a sad day for the nation, we will miss the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup."

The Senegal players were attacked following their final match with Gambia and the capital Dakar was blitzed with riots following their failures.

"I understand disappointment from people, but they should not attack physically the players, we all want to do good for our country," he continued.

Diouf is now looking to concentrate on helping Sunderland to a top-half finish in the Premier League.

"I need to put in performances for my club, we have a good team and we can surprise a few people this season," he said.

"To be in the top half this season at least will be a good step forward."