ACTUALITE |
23.06.2002
Africa hails Senegal`s vanquished heros despite World Cup disappointment
Senegal`s Lions were hailed as heros across Africa despite their defeat to Turkey on Saturday which shattered their dreams of becoming the continent`s first team to make it into the World Cup semi-finals.
"I am very proud of the Lions who bear the name of Senegal... they have honoured Africa," said President Abdoulaye Wade, calling for his countrymen to hold national celebrations when the team return home from Japan.
Senegal, knocked out by a Turkish golden goal, were the first African team in 12 years to reach the last eight. "I consider that to be a victory," Wade said.
Across the continent, the reaction was one of disappointment mixed with pride.
"It`s tough -- but it`s not the end of the world," said security guard Babacar Gueye.
"This is no defeat -- for our first go at the World Cup, it`s good, very good," said jeweller Youssou Toure. "We couldn`t take the World Cup first time round. But next time maybe."
Not so upbeat was Ali Diop, a maker of djembe drums which can be heard at every festival or dance. "Today, we`re not hungry, there is going to be no lunch," he said sadly.
Drivers kept their hands on the horn and passengers yelled "Senegal, Senegal" as the national green-yellow-red colours waved in the wind.
Televisions and radios were turned up full blast as the whole country sat down to watch or listen to the match. Dakar was festooned with flags while young and old wore clothes in the national colours.
But in the last few minutes of the game, hope turned to incredulity.
As Turkey`s jubilant players ran off the field, the discussion in Dakar`s bars and homes turned to who was responsible for the shattering defeat. A number were quick to point the finger of blame at the team`s French coach Bruno Metsu.
"He should have sent on more replacements, they were tired," said one disappointed supporter.
In Abidjan, capital of the Ivory Coast, the streets resonated with disappointment.p
"It`s not fair, they were playing really well, defended really well, they had carried our hopes, they were going to win," said shoptrader Abdoulaye Diallo.
"The continent is demoralised... I had hoped for the first time, an African team would gets into the finals to change the course of history, we had all prayed for it."
"To support Senegal is to support Africa," declared one resident of Treichville, a popular neighbourhood in Abidjan where a number of Senagalese live.
In the Gambian capital of Banjul, 70-year-old Fatou Jobe was somewhat fatalist. "It`s God`s will, the players all did what they could but the good God decided it would be Turkey who won."
Football fans in South Africa commiserated with their Senegalese counterparts. "I feel so bad, we fully supported Senegal," said Stanley Mncube who watched the match in a Johannesburg bar. "But their legs just got tired."
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Hits: 1 | Source:Dailysoccer | |
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