Senegal Africa’s best hope in World Cup
MBABANE – Despite losing their opening game 2-0 to Netherlands, Senegal are still among the continent’s favourites for local soccer fans in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar contest.
In random interviews at the Garage Bar located at Msunduza Township, on the outskirts of the capital city, football lovers including current and former players as well as coaches, who were watching the 2022 World Cup match between England and Iran on Monday, tipped Senegal as the only African side that was likely to progress to the next round of the global football event underway in Qatar.
The African continent is represented by Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia and the continent’s champions Senegal in the tournament which started on Sunday.
The host nation Qatar lost 0-2 to Ecuador, in a Group A Fixture.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:
Kenneth Dlamini: “Among the African countries, I place my bet on Senegal although I don’t think they will have it easy progressing to the next stage. I love football and will watch most of the games if not all of them. Otherwise, the other African countries are in very tough groups.”
Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule: “I am a football player for Manzini Wanderers, a lover of the game and for the first time in a long time, I think Brazil will win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. For the African countries, Senegal is my favourite team and I can see them progressing to the last 16.”
Msunduza Malambe (Ex-Mbabane Highlanders player): “Morocco is my favorite among the African countries. Their level of play is of international standards. Today (on Monday) I watched England versus Iran and my bet was on the English team. Unlike in yester-years, football has evolved. It’s more about speed and execution.”
Sikhumbuzo ‘Yiki’ Gama: “All the 32 teams competing in the World Cup are eligible to win and what makes it exciting is the spirit of unity as it brings together all the countries, whether you are competing or not. Although I can’t pinpoint or predict one team that will win, I support Senegal and believe they are the best among the African countries.”
Sibusiso Manyatsi: “My favourite team is Italy; unfortunately they did not qualify for the World Cup. For me, Senegal stand better chances. I am not a betting fan in fear of addiction. On Sunday I watched Qatar and Ecuador, although it was a boring game, but I am looking forward to an exciting World Cup competition.”
Mkhulisi Simelane: “It’s tough for the African countries and for Senegal, without Sadio Mane, it’s near impossible for them to win the World Cup. Football unites people and although this happens once after four years, but that is the spirit of the game. In the whole competition, Brazil can become the champions.”