🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Brazil can compete with any team at the 2026 World Cup, says Carlo Ancelotti
via SeneNews2 min read
Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, stated on Friday that the five-time world champions possess individual quality and adequate preparation to compete with any team at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a press conference at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Ancelotti expressed confidence in his team, highlighting their quality and experience. He believes the upcoming World Cup will be very balanced and is optimistic about the Seleçao's chances after their preparation for the opening match against Morocco. This marks Ancelotti's debut as a national team coach in the competition, leading a Seleção that has not won the trophy since 2002. He described this new role as a significant responsibility and honor. The team arrived in the United States amidst questions regarding inconsistent play and several absences, including injured players Rodrygo and Estêvão, who were not called up. Neymar, recovering from a calf injury, is expected to resume training next week. Ancelotti emphasized Neymar's importance for his technical quality, experience, and leadership for younger players. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. affirmed that Brazil is determined to win, aiming to make history and return Brazil to the highest level, putting past controversies behind them to secure a sixth star after a 24-year wait.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadFormer President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, has issued a message of thanks to all who showed him affection on his 100th birthday. In a statement broadcast by Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise RTS, the former head of state expressed how touched he was by the numerous messages received from Senegal, Africa, and beyond. He addressed Senegalese citizens, noting that many of those who sent him letters for his centenary were like his children or grandchildren. Wade described the celebration as an exceptional moment, highlighting that he was moved by testimonies from many people who recalled aspects of his work leading the country. He stated that he prefers others to speak about his twelve years at the helm of Senegal and admitted he did not expect to reach the age of 100. The former president also thanked the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who visited him during the festivities, accompanied by government members and other dignitaries. Concluding his message, Abdoulaye Wade reiterated a slogan from his time in office: "Work, work again, always work." He believes work remains an essential value for Senegalese and African youth, stating, "This has become a message for all of Africa, for all African youth. The essence of life is work."
Must ReadThe Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, is participating in the World Cup for the first time in 50 years, but travel restrictions due to the Ebola epidemic are preventing many supporters from the DRC from attending. Marcus Epwo, a prominent figure in the Congolese community in Houston, explained that usual supporters face a 21-day quarantine in a third country and specific airport procedures, including testing. The team itself underwent a 21-day isolation in a "sanitary bubble" in Belgium before entering the US. In response, the Congolese diaspora is mobilizing, particularly in Houston, home to approximately 10,000 Congolese, and Dallas, with over 16,000. They aim to recreate the atmosphere of a major global event, having already welcomed the players with flags, vuvuzelas, and traditional ndombolo dances at their Houston hotel. Supporters like 41-year-old Tshiunza Kalubi expressed sadness that many cannot travel but feel a greater responsibility to cheer for those back home. Some expatriates, not subject to the same restrictions, have also traveled, such as Antoinette Kayembe, who came from Paris with her daughters to support the team. The World Health Organization reported that the Ebola epidemic, originating in eastern DRC, continues to spread, with 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or treatment is currently authorized. Furah Kashemwa, 50, noted the significance of the team's return to the Wo
The Keur Massar Research Brigade arrested a Senegalese national for criminal association and international drug trafficking after seizing 92 kilograms of suspected cocaine. The operation began when intelligence indicated suspicious packages in a vehicle at a mechanical garage. Investigators conducted surveillance, leading to a search of the vehicle and the discovery of 92 one-kilogram packages of what is believed to be cocaine. Documents found in the vehicle led to the identification and arrest of the driver in the Medina district of Dakar. During questioning, the suspect admitted to transporting cocaine from Mali on more than four occasions for another Senegalese national, receiving 150,000 CFA francs per trip. He also stated that his alleged financier is currently detained at the Rebeuss House of Arrest and Correction for similar offenses. A sample of the seized substance was sent to the National Criminal Identification Center CNIC for analysis. A white Volkswagen vehicle was also seized. The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend any accomplices involved in this drug trafficking network.