Senegal made some strides during the FIFA World Cup.

Senegal made some strides during the FIFA World Cup.

Senegal is not yet a frequent participant in this important international tournament when it comes to World Cup appearances. It will take part for the third time, and twice in a row, in Qatar.

2002 marked Senegal’s first World Cup appearance with a very skilled generation.

In 2002, the Lions of Teranga received their initial invitation to the World Cup. To everyone’s astonishment, Senegal had made a splash because they were viewed as the “well” that would provide points for rivals in their group like France, Denmark, and Uruguay. But things did not turn out as expected. The soccer world had only discovered great players and was carried by an unrelenting passion when El Hadji Diouf, Khalifou Fadiga, Aliou Cissé, Henri Camara, or even the late Pape Bouba Diop formed the magnificent ensemble. The Lions, who had just recently emerged, were instantly viewed as threatening outsiders.

The catalyst was the triumph over France.

It continues to be one of the milestones in Senegal’s soccer history. It is true that the nation started taking part in international contests in 1965. However, the Senegalese national team’s feat of arms on May 31, 2002, still stands out. The Lions of Teranga defeated France, the defending world champion with all of its superstars, in the opening match of the World Cup, which was contested in Korea and Japan. The crowd included Zidane, Barthez, Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Didier Deschamps, and Marcel Desailly.

The stadium in Daegu witnessed a momentous event. In the 30th minute, El Hadji demonstrates class by dropping Franck Leboeuf and serving the late Bouba Diop, who defeats Barthez with a “râtelé.” To everyone’s astonishment, Senegal scored first. Up until the final horn, the scoreboard will not be updated. Senegal thrashes the Roosters in their opening World Cup game. Senegal qualified for the eighth final with a sensational draw against Denmark (1-1), followed by another one in front of Uruguay (3-3). What an acting job!

Later, Sweden puts up a barrier for the Lions. Built with confidence after defeating France, an appealing Senegal team defeats them in extra time on June 16, 2002. (2-1). However, Lihan Mausiz’s game-winning goal in the 94th minute against Turkey put an end to the journey. Despite being eliminated, Senegal would go on to play in the World Cup after Cameroon in 1990 and create one of the most beautiful chapters in continental soccer history.

The big disappointment of 2018

Senegal is back on the international stage after a 16-year sabbatical. this time, with a new generation. The Lions, led by the incredibly gifted Sadio Mané, travel to Russia with the goal of beating or matching their elders’ record of quarterfinal finishes. There was plenty of space in group H, which included Poland, Japan, and Colombia. Contrary to popular belief, Senegal will not do ridiculously in this competition and will instead be eliminated. Senegal will beat Lewandowski and company in the first game, then tie (2-2) with Japan before falling to Colombia (1-0). With four points, there were other options besides Senegal being eliminated due to the yellow card system. At this point in the first round, with 6 versus 4 for Japan, there was little chance of progressing.

11 goals were scored and 10 were allowed in two World Cups.

Senegal now has a third World Cup appearance scheduled for Qatar (November 20–December 18), and they have already scored 11 goals in 8 games. The Lions have nevertheless given up 10 goals. Otherwise, the 2002 meeting between the African Champions and Uruguay remains their most successful contest (3-3). The late Pape Bouba Diop, who scored three goals in total, including two against Uruguay, remains Senegal’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup. With his banderilla planted against Japan (2-2), Moussa Wagué, at the age of 19 years and 8 months, became the youngest African striker to play in a World Cup.