Guarantee whole of Africa is supporting us: Senegal coach
Not many fans have travelled from Senegal to Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but for the few that have, it sure has been worth it. On Tuesday, Les Lions de la Téranga (Lions of Teranga) started their campaign with a stunning 2-1 win over Poland in a Group H game at the Spartak Stadium here.
“The Lions gave everything today. We are really proud of them,” said Ahmad Elhadj, who is part of a group of 15 friends who have travelled from Dakar to cheer their team.
Victory in the opening game provided a major boost to Senegal’s hopes of reaching the round of 16, and a jubilant Elhadj said he was confident of the side going well past the group stages.
“Of course, we are going past the group stages. Why do you think we are here? We are here to take the trophy to Senegal,” he said.
Elhadj’s cousin Aliou didn’t share his optimism but said he is hopeful of the side being able to match something similar to their 2002 campaign.
“We were confident ahead of this game. I think we can beat Japan. Even if we get at least two points from the next two games, we should get into the next round,” he said.
Senegal’s tiny group of fans had made themselves heard at the stadium with their uninterrupted rendition of the traditional ‘Mbalax’ as the Sadio Mane-led side dominated proceeding. The ‘Mbalax’ is a traditional form of Senegalese popular music.
The support for Senegal, however, goes far beyond the thousand-odd fans inside the ground.
“I guarantee the whole of Africa is supporting us. I get phone calls from everywhere. We are proud to represent Africa,” coach Cisse said.
Cisse will be aware of the kind of backing he can expect to receive throughout the tournament despite very few Senegal fans being on the ground.
In 2002, when he led Senegal to the quarter-finals, Africa had rallied around them. It was the same for Ghana in 2010.
Cisse’s side must turn their focus to Japan. “This victory means we have started the competition in the best possible way but we are not too euphoric because we know it will be a difficult game against Japan,” said Cisse.
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