Idriss LAWAL
Teeming Senegalese watching the 2026 World Cup say they could not sleep and have had nightmares after they described their team’s performance as ‘cruel disappointment’
Senegal’s second consecutive defeat for Senegal in Group I of the 2026 World Cup has condemned fans back home to more nights of restlessness.
Despite a heroic burst of pride from Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Thiaw’s men lost 2-3 to Norway at the MetLife Stadium, greatly complicating their chances of qualification.
Papa Diop say of himself and fellow fans: “The night is filled with nightmares. And the Lions’ American dream is turning into a tragedy. We cannot sleep again because they are filled with nightmares. This is a disaster for Senegal”
A brace from Norway talisman Halland put them ahead of the African side.
The entry of Pape Matar Sarr stirred the Lions, who besieged the Norwegian camp throughout the end of the match.
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At the beginning of the nine minutes of added time, the pressure finally paid off. Ideally found after a pass from Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr curled a perfect shot to also score a brace and completely revive the suspense (2-3, 90’+3).
The last seconds were suffocating, but the Scandinavian defence held firm against the desperate assaults of the Senegalese.
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With zero points on the counter after two rounds, Senegal is at the bottom of the group, far behind France (6 points) and Norway (6 points), who have qualified for the knockout stages. To hope to snatch a place among the best third-placed teams, the Lions of Teranga will have no choice but to win by a wide margin on the final day against Iraq, while hoping for a favourable combination of circumstances in the other groups.
