Senegal finally confirmed switch to World Cup 2022 round of 16. It’s like a sweet gift for the second anniversary of the end of the legend Pope Boupa Diop.
Diop is a living legend for the Teranga Lions Team, recalling from his feet a historic goal for his home country in the World Cup.
Diop scored the goal in a 1-0 win against defending champions France in the opener of the 2002 World Cup. This was the big surprise in this event and also sent Senegal to the round of 16 in his debut.
Senegal, which at the time was coached by Bruno Metsu, made headlines and their players were also sought after by European clubs, including Diop.
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Papa Bouba Diop at the 2022 World Cup Photo: Getty Images/Brian Bahr
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Diop has played in the Premier League for Fulham, Portsmouth, West Ham United and Birmingham City. However, Diop had to shut down faster at age 42.
On Nov. 29, Diop turned a blind eye in Paris after battling ALS. Diop’s departure was sad for Senegalese football at the time.
Two years have passed, the national team players have given sweet gifts to commemorate the departure of the legend.
Senegal confirms qualification for the round of 16 World Cup 2022 after defeating Ecuador 2-1 in the final day of Group A, Tuesday (30/11/2022) Evening WIB at Khalifa International Stadium.
They took the lead through Ismaila Sarr’s penalty in the 44th minute before being equalized by Moises Caicedo in the 68th minute. Senegal’s escape as runners-up in the group was secured by Kalidou Koulibaly’s goal in the 70th minute.
The Senegalese players celebrated with great joy after the match ended. There was a moment where the players unfurled a banner with the image of Papa Bouba Diop.
“The real lion will never die,” reads the banner.
Twenty years have passed since the generation of Diop et al qualified for the round of 16, Senegal has done it again World Cup 2022.
(mrp/adp)
