
Senegal's path to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 has become more challenging following Bosnia and Herzegovina's win against Qatar. This result increased competition among third-placed teams for the eight available qualification spots. Senegal, currently last in Group I with zero points after losses to France 1-3 and Norway 2-3, must defeat Iraq in their final group match to have any chance of advancing. A victory would give them three points, but this total may no longer guarantee qualification among the best third-placed teams due to the strengthened competition. Goal difference and goals scored could become crucial tie-breakers. Despite the difficult situation, Senegal remains in contention due to the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, which qualifies the eight best third-placed teams from the twelve groups. The team, led by Pape Thiaw, not only needs to win against Iraq but ideally secure a victory by a significant margin to improve their negative goal difference. The outcome of other group matches will also be closely monitored, as several teams could finish third with three points or fewer. The match against Iraq is now a decisive final; a win keeps qualification hopes alive, while a draw would effectively eliminate both teams.
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Must ReadKenya is anticipating potential violence during planned protests on Thursday, marking the second anniversary of a deadly crackdown on demonstrations. The government faces accusations of mobilizing "thugs" to incite chaos, despite its stated aim to ensure peaceful events. In June 2024, tens of thousands of young people, primarily from "Generation Z," protested peacefully against tax hikes and corruption. On June 25, 2024, these gatherings in Nairobi turned chaotic when demonstrators stormed Parliament, leading to police firing live ammunition and causing numerous deaths. Kenyan President William Ruto has warned against property destruction and chaos, though his government has previously been accused of using armed "thugs" alongside police during protests. Former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, now a critic, urged citizens to stay home, claiming the state had organized terror. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen denied these allegations, accusing opponents of mobilizing criminals and assuring firm police action. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA reported at least 62 deaths in 2024 and 65 in 2025 during protests. Human rights organizations report higher figures and dozens of disappearances. A coalition of state violence victims called for large, vigilant protests. President Ruto's image has been linked to violence, including past International Criminal Court charges related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Although these charges were dropped, many Kenya

SeneNews provided live coverage of the 2026 World Cup group stage match between South Africa and South Korea. The game was scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 01:00 Dakar time at Estadio BBVA. The platform offered live scores, team compositions, and a running commentary of the match, including goals, substitutions, cards, and highlights. SeneNews, an independent editorial, uses cookies to offer free access to information and enhance user experience, with options for audience measurement, site performance, and personalized advertising.
Must ReadThe International Monetary Fund IMF announced on Wednesday that it would immediately disburse approximately $833 million to C么te d'Ivoire as part of several aid programs. The IMF's Executive Board approved the disbursement following reviews of three different programs. Abidjan can now borrow about $832.8 million. The IMF commended the Ivorian authorities' ongoing reform efforts and reduction of public debt. C么te d'Ivoire has maintained one of the region's most robust growth rates for nearly fifteen years and has achieved renewed stability after a decade of political-military crisis in the early 2000s. The IMF stated that C么te d'Ivoire's economy remains resilient. The Washington-based organization anticipates a slowdown in growth to 6% in 2026, down from 6.5% in 2025, attributing this to weakening external demand amid the Middle East conflict and increased global uncertainty. Inflation, which had fallen to nearly zero in 2025, has begun to rise and is projected to average 3.3% in 2026, driven by increasing food and energy prices.