The front pages of numerous newspapers in Dakar on Monday prominently featured the Senegal basketball cup final and the 26th day of Ligue 1 football. In the basketball final, Gaston Berger University of Saint Louis emerged victorious against US Rail in the last quarter with a score of 62-52, securing their second Senegal Cup after their 2010 triumph. The UGB prepared for the final with part of its team in Saint-Louis and the rest in Dakar, with four players also part of the national A team preparing for Afro basketball. Coach Cheikh Sarr attributed UGB’s success to their experience, noting that Rail faltered in that aspect.
While some newspapers praised UGB’s performance, others were more critical. LA TRIBUNE DES SPORTS mentioned UGB entering the match at a disadvantage but ultimately winning their second trophy, with player Ibrahima Mbengue earning the MVP title for being the top scorer with 19 points. DIRECT INFOS described UGB as derailing the railway workers of Thiès.
In the context of professional football league 1, the 26th day saw a status quo at the top of the rankings, with Diambars maintaining their lead. The TRIBUNE DES SPORTS noted that Diambars is one point ahead of Linguère, Diaraf, Pikine, and Ngor, with a total of 42 points compared to their followers’ 41 points. Le SOLEIL DES SPORTS attributed this situation to a record number of draws during the day, with 5 out of the 8 matches ending in draws. WAA SPORT mentioned that the only change in the rankings was the red lantern position shifting from GFC to ASSUR. ALL SPORT emphasized that nothing is decided yet, and the upcoming four days will be crucial, serving as finals for both the title and avoiding relegation.
