Senegal offer Africa shot at World Cup glory

June 2 : Senegal might have been stripped of their African title but they offer the continent its best hope of success at the World Cup.

Senegal beat Morocco in January's controversial Africa Cup of Nations final to be crowned champions for a second time but were later sanctioned for walking off the pitch in protest at a penalty decision against them on the cusp of full time.

The opportunity was missed by their opponents and Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time, though the Confederation of African Football later awarded the title to Morocco.

Senegal are now challenging the CAF decision but a ruling on their appeal is not expected until after the World Cup, where Senegal have high hopes of making an impact.

Few previous African World Cup qualifiers have had a stronger and more expansive squad than Senegal’s 2026 selection, offering the real possibility of another breakthrough for the continent at the tournament.

Morocco struck new ground in Qatar four years ago by becoming the first African side to reach the final four, but Senegal feel they can go further.

“We have nothing to fear from other nations,” said former African Footballer of the Year El Hadji Diouf.

“Before, people always said African countries would not get past the first round, but now the gap is getting a lot smaller, and Senegal has every chance to go on and win it.”

SENEGAL SPRANG A SURPRISE ON WORLD CUP DEBUT

Diouf was the star performer in 2002 for Senegal, who upset the odds and reached the quarter-finals in their World Cup debut at the tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

That included a shock 1-0 win over defending champions France in the opening game in Seoul and more than two decades later they resume that rivalry in their first Group I