Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf has sent a bold message to the football world, insisting that the Teranga Lions are not inspired by Morocco’s historic World Cup run but are instead targeting the ultimate prize.
Morocco set a new benchmark for African and Arab football at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the semi-finals, eventually finishing fourth.
That remarkable campaign surpassed the previous best African performances recorded by Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010, when both nations exited at the quarter-final stage.
However, Diouf believes Senegal should be aiming far higher. Asked whether the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions could replicate or even surpass Morocco’s achievement, the West Ham United player made it clear that simply reaching the semi-finals would not be enough.
“If the goal is just to reach the semi-finals, then it’s better to stay at home,” Diouf told French network Canal+.
He was even more emphatic about Senegal’s ambitions on the global stage, adding, “We are Senegal and we have the ability to win the World Cup, there is no room for discussion about that. As a great footballing nation, we will go for the title.”
Diouf dismissed any suggestion that a semi-final appearance should be celebrated as success, stating, “There are those who talk about the semi-finals, but for me this is unacceptable. I apologise, we will only go to win.”
His comments come on the back of Senegal’s triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they defeated hosts Morocco in a dramatic final that captivated fans across the continent.
Senegal will now turn their attention to the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The AFCON champions have been drawn in Group I, where they will face France, Norway, and a team yet to be confirmed through the play-offs scheduled for next March.
