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Senegal’s Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament, Ousmane Sonko, has described Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup clash between Senegal and France as a contest in which “Africa will have beaten Africa” regardless of the result, citing the strong African heritage within the French national team.
Speaking ahead of the Group I encounter, Sonko said the match goes beyond football and reflects Africa’s contribution to global talent development.
“In any case, it’s only a football match. But if you want to look at the match politically, then whoever wins, Africa will have beaten Africa,” Sonko said.
Despite his broader perspective, the Senegalese leader expressed confidence that the Teranga Lions can secure victory, recalling their famous 1-0 triumph over defending champions France at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
“I think Senegal will win. At least, that’s my hope, like every Senegalese person,” he said.
Sonko also urged Africans to recognise the continent’s value, arguing that France’s squad composition underlines Africa’s significance on the global stage.
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“Just looking at the make-up of the French national team tells us something about where the real need lies,” he said.
He added:
“The message I always give to Africans is that if we understand our own value and embrace it – we have natural resources, we have human resources, we have a rapidly growing and overwhelmingly young population and we have a strategic position – then I believe the balance of needs is not where people often think it is.
“That would also bring us back to debates about migration and many of the issues that exist between the West more generally and Africa.”
The much-anticipated encounter has generated interest beyond football because of the historical ties between both nations and the number of French players with African roots. Senegal will also be seeking to recreate the magic of their famous 2002 World Cup upset over France.
