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Tag: Senegal

  • AFCON 2023: Roaring Teranga lions of Senegal shoot down Cameroon 3-1,Guinea pip Gambia 1-0

    AFCON 2023: Roaring Teranga lions of Senegal shoot down Cameroon 3-1,Guinea pip Gambia 1-0

    Ismaila Sarr opened the floodlight of goals when his shot deflected off a Cameroonian defender to beat Andre Onana in goal for Senegal’s opener in the thrilling group C encounter on Friday evening at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamosoukro, Cote D’Ivoire.
    Habib Diallo doubled the lead for the Teranga Lions of Cameroon in the second half of the encounter before former Liverpool man and current Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia scored third to finish up the game.

    Cameroon responded belatedly when Jean-Charles Castelletto powered home a header from Olivier Ntcham’s 83rd-minute cross and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has guilty of a glaring miss before Mane scored, but Rigobert Song’s side will head into its final group fixture against Gambia with just a single point to its name.

    Senegal went ahead after the Cameroon defence failed to deal with Pape Sarr’s 16th-minute corner.

    The ball was fed back in to Sarr after goalkeeper Andre Onana had punched it to the edge of the box and he drilled in a low right-footed shot which took a slight deflection off Frank Anguissa and flew into the net.

    The Indomitable Lions did not muster a single attempt on goal in the opening 45 minutes and might have fallen further behind six minutes before the break but for Enzo Tchato’s block after Lamine Camara had put Mane in on goal.

    Aliou Cisse’s men continued to make the running after the restart, but Olivier Kemen got a sight of goal at the other end, only to loop his 55th-minute header from a deep free-kick high over.

    Cameroon’s fortunes took a further turn for the worse with 19 minutes remaining when Sarr turned provider with a low cross for Habib Diallo to make it 2-0 from close range.

    Castelletto gave Song’s side hope with seven minutes remaining and it should have been level when Nkoudou headed inexplicably wide in stoppage-time before Mane wrapped up the points.

    The result meant that defending champions Senegal have now booked a place in the second round of the competition while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are presently occupying the third position and would have to defeat Gambia to start a chance of qualifying to the the next stage  of the competition.

    However, Guinea defeated Gambia courtesy of Aguibou Camara’s second half lone strike to earn the Guineans all three points and a place in the second position of the group C.

    Recall that the Syli national of Guinea also drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their first group C opener.

    Guinea now has four points in in two games and look set to have secured qualification into the group stage of the competition.

     

  • AFCON 2023: Senegal’s Lamine Camara steals headline in Cote D’Ivoire with stellar performance

    AFCON 2023: Senegal’s Lamine Camara steals headline in Cote D’Ivoire with stellar performance

    Senegal’s Lamine Camara is stealing headlines at the ongoing 2023 AFCON after posting a stellar performance in his first game against Gambia.

    Camara’s brace and his overall performance earned him the individual accolade which he says will motivate him to work even harder and it must also be credited to his teammates.

    “I am happy with this recognition. This is the result of the hard work that we all did. Winning the first match remains a good thing” said the Metz FC player who recently joined the French club.

    “I am pleased after scoring a brace in the match, and I must remain focused now on the rest of the matches. I am pleased to participate in such a tournament with the first team and to be in the company of senior players such as Sadio Mane and others. These players are the ones who helped me stand out today”, concluded Camara.

    Camara’s sojourn in football

    In 2023 Camara won the CHAN and under 20 AFCON titles.

    He was named second best player at CHAN and the overall best player at under 20 AFCON.

    The young forward was named CAF’s young player of the year 2023.

    Camara made his AFCON debut for Senegal against Gambia where he scored two goals with one of them already picked as contender for the goal of the tournament.

    His stellar performance already earned him the man of the match award.

  • AFCON 2023: Tournament favourite, Senegal thrash Gambia 3-0, Cameroon, Guinea share spoils

    AFCON 2023: Tournament favourite, Senegal thrash Gambia 3-0, Cameroon, Guinea share spoils

    Senegal started off their title defense on a winning note after putting three goals past 10-man  Gambia national team.

     It took just five minutes for them to break the deadlock as Pape Gueye struck after good work from Sadio Mane. Lamine Camara then scored twice after the break – including a brilliant curling effort late on – to mark a solid start to Group C.

    Aliou Cisse’s side made the perfect start when Sadio Mane teed up an unmarked Pape Gueye, who rifled his shot into the bottom corner from inside the box.
    Gambia created some good opportunities in the first half with Musa Barrow curling a free-kick into the side netting while Ali Sowe headed over following a corner.
    Elsewhere at stade Charles Konal Banny In Yamoussoukro, the indomitable Lions of  Cameroon and the Syli national of  Guinea Conakry settled for a 1-1 draw.
    M Bayo opened scoring for the Guineans and the West Africans held on to it for the first 45minute but the
    Cameroonians equalized in the 51st minute to have a share of the spoils.
    The result meant that Senegal leads group C while Cameroon and Guinea are joint second on the log.
  • FIFA U-17 World Cup: Senegal, Morocco, two other African countries’ group stage opponent confirmed

    FIFA U-17 World Cup: Senegal, Morocco, two other African countries’ group stage opponent confirmed

    All four African representatives for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup had their group stage opponents confirmed at the official draw of the tournament on Friday.

    Stephen Appiah, Africa’s iconic legend  was in attendance as draw assistant.

    The Atlas Cubs of Morocco have been drawn in Group A where Said Chiba’s side are set to face host country, Indonesia, Ecuador and Panama.

    Runners-up in the 2015 edition, Mali will be hoping to go all the way in this year’s edition but will first have to overcome Spain, Canada and Uzbekistan in Group B.

    Reigning African champions, Senegal go into the tournament with a lot expected of them by the continent as they face Japan, Poland and Argentina in Group D.

    Burkina Faso will slug it out with France, Korea Republic and the United States of America for second round ticket in group E.

    Besides Mali’s impressive second place finish in 2015, Nigeria holds the record for the most titles of the tournament with an impressive five to their name.

    Ghana, who will not be present at this year’s edition have claimed it twice and finished second on two occasions.

    This year’s edition will be hosted by the Asian nation of Indonesia between 10 November and 02 December this year, with reigning African champions Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Morocco being the four nations to represent Africa at the global showpiece in a few months’ time.

     

  • D’Tigress outclass Senegal to win fourth consecutive continental title

    D’Tigress outclass Senegal to win fourth consecutive continental title

    Nigeria’s senior women basketball team, D’Tigress, on Saturday defeated Senegal 84-74 to win the 2023 Afrobasket Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The team put up superlative performances to win the title for a fourth consecutive time.

    They had much in abundance in Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Sarah Ogoke and Ifunaya Okoro whom were crucial for the Nigerian side

    Okonkwo, as usual, unleashed the necessary qualities that kept Senegal on the back foot and she was so fantastic throughout the competition.

    Her efforts were acknowledged, leading to her winning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

    D’Tigress dominated the game and never gave Senegal any chance to dream, recording scorecards of 19-10, 24-21, 26-19 and 22-17 in the four quarters of the game.

    History was also made as the Head Coach of D’ Tigress, Rena Wakama, was the first indigenous female coach to lead a national team to  win the Afrobasket championship trophy.

    At the post-match conference, Wakama praised the team for the doggedness, hard work and passion to achieve such feat in the short time they were put together.

    “I’m very proud of my players. They deserve the accolades. Indeed this is  a great achievement that should be rewarded.

    “We did not have enough time to train together, yet they brought in their professionalism and were marvelous in winning the trophy,” Wakama said.

    In a reaction, Queen Moseph, a sports journalist, described the victory as wonderful as the players have shown their qualities and proven their passion to win for the nation.

    “We are very happy for them. They deserve the praises as they have lifted the spirits of many basketball loving Nigerians.

    “We have always believed in them and winning four straight championship titles show how incredible the senior national team is,” Moseph said.

    Kelechi Benard, a sports commentator, described the victory as a very good one for Nigeria especially for the girls who just came together for a week to train.

    “The team has proved to many basketball faithful that hard work pays and team coordination is just what can make us to achieve more,” he  said.

  • Tinubu lauds President Sall over 3rd term decision

    Tinubu lauds President Sall over 3rd term decision

    President Bola Tinubu has commended the decision of Senegal President Macky Sall not to seek a third term in office after the end of his tenure.

    Mr Dele Alake, Presidential Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, revealed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    There had been protests in Senegal in the past few weeks following speculations about Sall’s third term ambition after his second term in office in 2024.

    Senegal is a country considered as one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa.

    Sall on Monday said he would not offer himself as a candidate for the Feb. 25, 2024 presidential election in his country.

    Tinubu said that the decision by Sall was in the best interest of his country and the peace and stability of the West African region.

    He described Senegal’s president decision to abide by the constitutional term of office and not offer himself for third term as heart-warming.

    “It has brought great joy and relief. As a democrat, I must commend my brother for his statesmanship.

    “With this singular decision, President Sall chose the stability, security and economic well-being of his people over and above narrow personal interest.

    “The impact of this important decision will be felt beyond the shores and borders of Senegal and across our West African sub-region.

    Tinubu said that Sall has demonstrated that leadership is about serving the people honourably and quitting the stage when the constitutionally-stipulated time is up.

    “By his example, democracy and respect for people power will take stronger roots in Africa and will continue to flourish.

    Sall, 61, came to power in 2012 and was re-elected in 2019.

    The Senegalese constitution was amended in 2016 but still provides for a maximum of two terms.

    But his supporters argued that his first term, which came before the constitutional amendment, didn’t count, something the opposition contested..

    “My decision is not to be a candidate in the presidential election even though the constitution gives me the right to do so,” Sall said.

  • Sadio Mane finally speaks out after bust-up with Sane

    Sadio Mane finally speaks out after bust-up with Sane

    Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane has broken his silence on his bust-up with teammate Leroy Sane – and his future in Germany.

    Mane infamously clashed with Sane after their Champions League defeat to Manchester City last season. The pair had to be separated by teammates and left Sane with a bloodied lip.

    Speaking to reporters in his homeland, he said: “This kind of things can happen. It happened. We were able to solve this small problem.

    “Sometimes it’s good to solve problems, but maybe not in this way. It’s behind us now. We’ll try to fight together to help the club achieve its goals next season.

    “I’m on vacation with the family. It was a very complicated season, it happens. It wasn’t a surprise, I expected things to be a bit complicated. It’s normal.

    “I love challenges, and Bayern is a big challenge. It’s up to me to do everything to meet this challenge.”

    The former Liverpool striker has been linked with a return to England, where Newcastle United and Chelsea are keen.

    But Mane added: “God willing. If everything goes well, I’m going to return to Bayern.”

  • Int’l Friendly: Mane scores two as Senegal shock Brazil 4-2 in Portugal

    Int’l Friendly: Mane scores two as Senegal shock Brazil 4-2 in Portugal

    Bayern Munich forward,  Sadio Mane scored twice as the Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated Brazil 4-2 in a friendly in Lisbon, Portugal on Tuesday.

    West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta put Brazil ahead in the 11th minute, before Habib Diallo equalised for Senegal in the 22nd minute.

    Brazil defender, Marquinhos scored an own goal in the 52nd minute to give the West Africans the lead while Mane extended their lead three minutes after to put scores at 3-1 .

    As well as Paqueta, Brazil’s team at the beginning of the match included Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Newcastle midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes and Tottenham forward Richarlison.

    Meanwhile, Senegal’s side included Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate, Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

    It was another blow for Brazil, who have Under-20 manager Ramon Menezes acting as a caretaker coach.

    The Brazilian FA (CBF) are still pursuing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to be their new coach. The role has been vacant since the resignation of Tite following their World Cup quarter-final exit in December.

  • Death Toll Rises To 15 As Tensions Persist In Senegal

    Death Toll Rises To 15 As Tensions Persist In Senegal

    Tensions remained high in Senegal on Saturday after fresh overnight clashes brought the death toll to 15 in the two days since a court convicted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko

    Sonko’s ongoing legal woes have prompted rare flare-ups of violence in Senegal, typically a bastion of stability in West Africa, and foreign allies have urged a return to calm.

    Sonko, a 48-year-old former tax inspector, was initially charged with rape but was convicted on a lesser charge of morally “corrupting” a young woman and sentenced to two years in prison.

    He claims the charges against him were a bid by the government to torpedo his political career ahead of the presidential election next year.

    His conviction may take him out of the running for the 2024 poll.

    Clashes between Sonko’s supporters and police broke out after the ruling on Thursday, leaving nine people dead.

    Shops and businesses were ransacked.

    The army was deployed to the streets but fresh scuffles erupted on Friday night in parts of the capital, Dakar, and in Ziguinchor.

    They left another six dead, government spokesman Maham Ka told AFP.

    Burned-out cars, tyres and debris-strewn streets bore testimony to another night of violence.

    The government has acknowledged that it has restricted access to social networks such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter in order to stop “the dissemination of hateful and subversive messages”.

    Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said on Friday that the violence was not fuelled by “political demands” but “acts of vandalism and banditry”.

    “These are difficult times for the Senegal nation that we will overcome,” he told TFM.

    – Arrest looming –
    Sonko, who was tried in absentia, has yet to be taken into custody for his jail term, which is predicted to cause further tensions.

    He is presumed to be at his Dakar home, where he has been blocked in by security forces since the weekend. He alleges he is being “illegally held”.

    Sharp-tongued and charismatic, Sonko has drawn a strong following among Senegal’s youth, who love his barbs against a political elite he refers to as the “state mafia”.

    He has spoken out against debt, poverty, food insecurity, under-funded health and education systems and corruption.

    Sonko, who has two wives, portrays himself as a devout Muslim and defender of traditional values, and has called for harsher penalties for same-sex relations.

    Supporters of President Macky Sall, however, see him as a rabble-rouser who has poisoned political discourse and sown instability.

    Dakar residents interviewed by AFP said they feared the possible consequences of his arrest.

    “I am really scared because we don’t know how this will all end,” said 46-year-old Fatou Ba, a businesswoman in the Dalifort neighbourhood of Dakar.

    “If they want peace they won’t go and fetch Sonko,” she added.

    Another Dalifort resident, Matar Thione, 32, said he felt unsafe in the country.

    “If the protests continue, life is going to get even harder,” he said.

    Students have been plunged into uncertainty, forced to leave the capital’s main university campus after violent clashes lead to widespread destruction.

    “We didn’t expect this. Political affairs shouldn’t concern us,” said Babacar Ndiaye, a 26-year-old student.

    “But there is injustice,” he added, referring to Sonko’s conviction.

    – ‘Proud’ democracy –
    On Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and “urged all those involved to… exercise restraint”.

    The African Union said the head of its executive commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly condemned the violence and urged leaders to avoid acts which “tarnish the face of Senegalese democracy, of which Africa has always been proud”.

    The European Union and Senegal’s former colonial power France also expressed concern over the violence.

    Rights group Amnesty International has urged authorities to stop “arbitrary arrests” and lift restrictions on access to social networks.

    AFP

  • Algeria 2023: Senegal clinch title, beat Morocco 2-1

    Algeria 2023: Senegal clinch title, beat Morocco 2-1

    The Senegal U-17 team has won the AFCON tournament in Algeria after defeating Morocco 2-1 on Friday night Nelson Mandela Stadium.

    A dramatic fightback from Senegal sealed a 2-1 comeback win over Morocco to be crowned 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

    Morocco went ahead as early as the 14th minute in the game when Ait Bouldal scored for the North Africans before the West Africans began a fightback in the 80th minute.

    Saliou Dia tutored Terenga Cubs pressed the Atlas Cubs in search of an equalizer until a VAR Influenced penalty call gave Senegal a lifeline.

    Senegal captain Amara Diouf picked the ball before electing to hand Serigne Diouf responsibility from 18-yards.

    Serigne Diouf made no mistake, sending Morocco goalkeeper Benorhzil the wrong way to level scores at 1-1 in the 80th minute.

    Three minutes later, Moroccan hearts were left broken as Mamadou Savane headed home from a corner-kick to gift Senegal the lead.

    At the Referees whistle for full-time, it finished Senegal 2-1 Morocco.

    The win meant Senegal has completed a clean sweep of all competitions on the continent.

    Senegal are now Africa Cup of Nations Champions, Africa Beach Soccer Champions, Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Champions, Championship of African Nations champions and now 2023 U-17 AFCON winners.