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Iliman Ndiaye: Senegal aims to bring the World Cup to Africa
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye has expressed the Teranga Lions' ambition to win the 2026 World Cup. In an interview with France Football, Ndiaye, a CAN winner, stated that the team's goal is to bring the World Cup to Africa, believing African football can now compete with the world's top nations. Born in Rouen but an international for Senegal, Ndiaye recalled watching the historic 2002 Senegal-France match multiple times. He acknowledged the quality of the French team but asserted that his footballing identity is linked to the Lions. Ndiaye believes Morocco's historic run in the 2022 World Cup was a turning point for the continent, demonstrating that African teams can aim for the top. He stated that Morocco broke a glass ceiling. Ndiaye affirmed that Senegal fears no opponent and looks any team straight in the eyes, emphasizing the group's objective to become world champions. As they prepare for their match against the France national football team, the Lions display clear confidence and ambition to write a new chapter in African football history on the world stage.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadDidier Deschamps, the French national team coach, praised the Senegalese team's qualities during his pre-match press conference, ahead of France's entry into the 2026 World Cup against Senegal. Deschamps classified the Lions among the best teams in Africa and highlighted their international value. He noted their significant offensive potential and a very effective midfield. The French coach also emphasized Senegal's defensive solidity, recalling its effectiveness during its last continental campaign, and its strong athletic density combined with important technical skills from many players. Deschamps, a 2018 World Cup winner, anticipates a highly contested match for this first group stage game. Senegal and France are scheduled to meet this Tuesday at MetLife Stadium for one of the most anticipated clashes of the first day of the 2026 World Cup, with kickoff at 7:00 PM.
Artist MMD has released "ALLEZ SENEGAL," a song dedicated to the Lions of Teranga and their supporters as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The song features unifying lyrics and an engaging rhythm, celebrating national pride, the players' courage, and the hopes of the Senegalese people for their national team. Intended as both an encouragement for the World Cup and a celebration of Senegalese football achievements, "ALLEZ SENEGAL" aims to rally football fans behind the Lions in their pursuit of global success.
Former Senegalese international El Hadji Diouf has responded to the ongoing debate about Sadio Mané's place in Senegalese football history. In an interview with L'Équipe, Diouf, an iconic figure from the 2002 World Cup era, rejected direct comparisons between generations. He views the relationship as one of transmission rather than rivalry, stating, "Mané greater than me? No, I wouldn't say that. Go say that Zidane is greater than Platini, the French won't accept it. Sadio is my heir. And his will come. We are at the heart of a chain." Diouf highlighted the role his predecessors, like Jules Bocandé, played in his career, and how he, in turn, passed this legacy to Sadio Mané. He also affirmed his consistent support for Mané, even during periods of criticism, revealing disagreements with other former internationals before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While Mané's recent achievements, including two Africa Cup of Nations titles and becoming the Lions' all-time leading scorer, have led many to consider him the greatest Senegalese footballer, Diouf prefers to emphasize the continuity between generations and each icon's role in the sport's evolution in Senegal, acknowledging Mané as his worthy successor.