Teranga Lions supporters were heavily affected by their country’s AFCON victory and their World Cup debut on Monday (Nov. 21).
A prime example was the fervour at a fan area in Dakar. A large crowd gathered to watch the national team’s opening match.
There was no room for uncertainty when playing against the Netherlands and away from the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha (Qatar).
The enthusiasm of the crowd was fit for an African champion. The 0-0 score at halftime only fueled the team’s high level of confidence.
“I am optimistic. I think that Senegal will win, it will be fine. I believe that this Dutch team cannot block our way in the competion, “Malick Gueye, a supporter of the Abdou Diallo group believed.
But the Teranga Lions were obstructed by the Oranje. The champions of Africa were defeated 2-0 by the second half’s intense pressure.
A setback caused the euphoria to turn into disillusionment. Fans like Binta Sène felt let down but weren’t discouraged.
“I don’t have any particular regrets. A little bit disappointed by the score because we could have kept the 0-0 and not have a defeat in the end,” she confessed.
“Given the quality of play they showed, we are sure that the next time we will win. We will win,” she assured.
However, there are a lot of disappointed fans who are torn between dissatisfaction and hope for the Senegalese’s qualifying.
And since the mood is not great, the name of the Senegalese Messi could not miss out in the discussions. “The absence of Sadio Mané was felt but the players gave it all”, Mor Mbengue said.
“The problem is that the Dutch defenders are giants like Virgil Van Dijk, Aké and De Ligt. Senegal did everything but we lacked realism especially in the ultimate passes”. the student added.
“Disappointment? Maybe. With this result, we are caught with two goals, so it will have an influence in the other games, the calculation… “ the young man regrets.
There is reason to be upbeat. The supporters are still adamant that Senegal will advance to the next round.
To escape being taken into account at the end of the group stage, Aliou Cissé’s team will need to defeat Qatar on Friday at 1 PM GMT and then overcome Ecuador.
