As the anticipated match date draws near, tension is on the rise in both Abidjan and Dakar, with the media playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. While Senegalese newspapers predominantly focus on their national team, Ivorian publications also engage in discussions about Senegal.
As the eagerly awaited list from Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi is awaited, the selection choices of Senegal’s Joseph Koto have already become a topic of debate. Dismissing rumors of Diouf’s return, Koto’s list has left observers unconvinced. Ndamli.sn criticizes Koto for summoning an abundance of left-sided players, questioning the emphasis on defense when the focus should be on the attack.
The scrutiny extends to the goalkeeper selection, with the question posed, “Has Koto killed the competition among goalkeepers?” Ousmane Mané, from Diambars (Senegalese first division club), is favored by the coach over Bouna Condoul and Khadim Ndiaye.
Criticism of Koto’s choices doesn’t stop there. Sud Quotidien notes that during the trip to Abidjan on September 8, the balance between young and old did not yield positive results. Koto is said to have given full power to the younger players, favoring youth over experience in a qualifying match for CAN 2013.
The non-selection of El Hadj Diouf is revisited by the daily Rewmi, quoting former internationals Henri Camara and Khalilou Fadiga expressing disappointment and emphasizing the need for experience.
On the Senegalese side, Walf Sports expresses satisfaction with the match’s general interest and applauds the national mobilization efforts by the Senegalese Football Federation, which involved reconciling various stakeholders.
Turning to Ivory Coast, the site abidjan.net reports a significant presence of marabouts (spiritual leaders) at the Senegalese Football Federation headquarters, suggesting an attempt to influence the match outcome. Some marabouts allegedly requested a substantial sum, 15 million CFA francs, as an advance to aid Senegal, adding an element of intimidation.
Sport-ivoire.ci highlights potential challenges for Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi in composing his list, citing injuries to key players such as Kafoumba Coulibaly and Kalou, and concerns about players not currently associated with a club. The site also touches on the ambiguous case of Kader Keita, reportedly released by his club in Qatar.
Sport-ivoire.ci further emphasizes the impressive form of the Senegalese attackers, including Demba Ba, Ibrahima Touré, and Papiss Cissé, causing anxiety for the Ivorian team.
With each passing day, the stage is set for an intense match, and Africa is kept in suspense. The final outcome on the evening of October 14 will determine which nation will have to watch the CAN from a distance.{jcomments on}
