The Senegalese newspapers in Dakar extensively covered the draw for the last round of the World Cup qualifiers, which will feature a double confrontation between Senegal’s Lions and Ivory Coast’s Elephants. The sports daily “STADES” highlighted the rematch aspect, with Senegal seeking revenge after a year since their last double confrontation. The article emphasized the importance of achieving a good result in the away leg before hoping to make a difference in the return leg.
Coach Alain Giresse expressed that Senegal cannot afford to have any complexes and needs to reach its maximum potential in both matches. However, the president of the Senegalese football federation, Me Augustin Senghor, acknowledged that Ivory Coast is the favorite.
The newspaper “DIRECT INFO” posed the question of “who will dance Samba in Brazil between Lions and Elephants?” and highlighted the significance of the first leg and the importance of the return location for Senegal. The state of the pitch in Guinea was identified as a potential problem.
In “SOLEIL,” Alain Giresse emphasized the challenging fate for Senegal and stressed the need to start working immediately. Me Senghor believed that paying a high price is necessary to go to Brazil.
“Tribune des Sports” mentioned that the Lions are obliged to eat Atiéké (Ivorian national dish) to find Brazil, predicting an intense match at all levels. Other newspapers, including “LIBERATION,” “Tout LE SPORT,” “ENQUETE,” “L’AS,” and “LE QUOTIDIEN,” covered the draw with a focus on analyzing the possibilities of the Lions against the current leading African team in the FIFA rankings.
The departure of the Lionesses for Maputo to participate in the 2013 women’s Afro basketball was also mentioned across all local newspapers.
