DeSagana Diop praises Senegal in 2027 qualifier

Senegal have responded to their defeat by Egypt with a confidence-building victory over Angola in the 2027 World Cup qualifying window. Coach DeSagana Diop said the result reflected contributions from across the squad, including the substitutes, as Senegal recovered against a strong opponent.

Senegal won 84-82, led by captain Brancou Badio’s 24 points. Badio returned to form after a below-par display in the previous game and finished as Senegal’s leading scorer. Diop also pointed to the efforts of Papa Moustapha Diop, Ibrahima Fall-Faye and Jean-Jacques Boissy as important parts of the team’s performance. Atoumane Diagne added 15 points.

The victory leaves Senegal focused on the final game of the window against Mali on Sunday at 18:30. That meeting carries added significance after Mali eliminated Senegal in the semi-finals of the previous AfroBasket. Diop expects a difficult contest and said the team must maintain its concentration despite the pressure that comes with playing at home.

Diagne described the Angola win as a necessary response to the Egypt loss and a source of motivation before the Mali game. Senegal will now seek to carry the same energy into that decisive final appointment, with the squad expected to remain focused after its return to winning ways.