OSAKA, Japan, June 21 -- Raw talent combined with hard work rather than any kind of African magic are the keys to Senegal's success at this World Cup, according to their French coach Bruno Metsu.

On the eve of his side's quarter-final meeting with Senegal, Metsu made it clear he was thoroughly fed up with some of the myths surrounding the Lions of Teranga, particularly those concerning the influence of witchdoctors on the team.

"Our only magic is work, rigour and discipline. Its nothing to do with magic or sorcery," he said when asked if he considered himself a kind of white witchdoctor.

Midfielder Khalilou Fadiga then pointed at Metsu and joked: "The only magician we've got is him."

Fadiga also made it clear that some of the Senegal players, most of whom are based in France, were not happy with being described as a kind of substitute French team.

"We are not the number two of anything. We are the number ones of Senegal and Africa. We all respect French football and the French people but we are here representing Senegal and Africa."