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Malick Diop previews Senegal vs. Belgium 2026 World Cup match
via SeneNews1 min read
Former Senegalese international Malick Diop has shared his analysis ahead of the decisive 2026 World Cup match between Senegal and Belgium. The Lions of Teranga, led by Pape Thiaw, are set to face the Red Devils in the round of 16 on July 1st in Seattle, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT. Diop believes Senegal can succeed if they replicate the intensity, tactical discipline, and enthusiasm shown in their first half against France and second half against Iraq. He noted that this is a unique World Cup matchup between two teams with entirely different profiles, and Senegal enters with high confidence following their significant victory over Iraq, which secured their qualification. Betwinner specialists favor Belgium to win with odds of 2.24, while Senegal has odds of 3.61. A draw after regular time is at 3.42. Senegal's qualification odds are 2.3, compared to Belgium's 1.62. Diop also anticipates a low-scoring game, with odds of 1.73 for fewer than 2.5 total goals.
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Must ReadNigeria has entered a new energy era with the inauguration of Aliko Dangote's refinery in Lekki, near Lagos. After eleven years of construction and an investment exceeding 20 billion euros, the facility began operations in 2024. It is now the world's largest single-train refinery, capable of processing 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This project allows Nigeria, Africa's largest crude oil producer, to transform local crude into refined products, ending its paradox of exporting crude while importing gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. This previous system cost the country billions annually, including nearly 10 billion dollars in subsidies in 2022. The refinery has also played a strategic role internationally, supplying kerosene for air transport to global markets, including Europe, during energy crises. Additionally, the complex produces urea-based fertilizers and petrochemicals. This industrial success has significantly boosted Aliko Dangote's fortune, estimated by Forbes at around 30 billion dollars, making him Africa's wealthiest individual and among the top 100 globally. Dangote plans a partial stock market listing of his refining operations in Lagos, which has generated considerable interest from investors. Despite criticisms regarding alleged political and fiscal advantages and a lack of competition, Aliko Dangote aims to further expand his industrial investments across Africa to reduce the continent's reliance on energy and agricultural imports.
Issa Diop, who scored Morocco's equalizer against the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup round of sixteen, has Senegalese origins. Abdoulaye Diaw, a specialist in Senegalese football history, highlighted Diop's connection to Libasse Diop, a former Senegalese international and national football figure. Libasse Diop played for Bordeaux, becoming one of the first Senegalese players at the highest level in France. Issa Diop's goal allowed Morocco to force extra time and ultimately win in a penalty shootout, securing their qualification for the World Cup 2026 round of sixteen. Morocco will now face Canada in the next round, with interest in Issa Diop's journey heightened by his family ties to Senegal and the legacy of his grandfather, Libasse Diop.
SeneNews will provide live coverage of the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match between Ivory Coast and Norway. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with kickoff at 5:00 PM Dakar time at AT&T Stadium. The article will feature live score updates, team compositions, and a running commentary of the match, including goals, substitutions, cards, and key highlights. Ivory Coast's starting lineup includes Yahia Fofana, Guéla Doué, Odilon Kossounou, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan, Ibrahim Sangaré, Nicolas Pépé, Franck Kessié, Christ Inao Oulaï, Yan Diomande, and Ange-Yoan Bonny, coached by Emerse Fae. Norway's starting eleven features Ørjan Nyland, Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe, Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, and Antonio Nusa, under coach Stale Solbakken. The match will be officiated by Jesús Valenzuela from Venezuela.