France-Senegal (2002) : Africa Did It Again

Cameroon had given Africa a different image on the global stage in 1990 when it went past tough nations to reach the quarterfinals. In 2002, Senegal came to buttress the fact that there is more in Africa than what meets the eye. It was their first participation and Senegal were thrown into the metaphorical lion’s den in their first game being pitted against the defending world and European champions, France. It was on May 31, 2002 at 
Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. France even before this match knew it was done looking at the huge gap that separated both teams on paper. France had a star-studded squad that boasted names like Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram, David Trezeguet amongst others. However, when the French side took on Senegal in their first match of the tournament, things took an unexpected turn.
Despite the doubts, Senegal showed they could be dangerous early on. Their counter attacks were swift and they had a clear outlet, with El-Hadji Diouf hanging on the edge of the French defence. Senegal took the lead in the 30th minute through Papa Bouba Diop’s goal and were somehow able to defe...