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Senegal ex-president makes political comeback from afar 

The ex-president is now leading a newly formed opposition coalition from abroad, raising questions over the motives behind his return to the political fray and what it could mean for the West African country…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal’s former leader Macky Sall, who earlier this year sparked one of the worst crises in decades by delaying the presidential election, is seeking a controversial comeback in Sunday’s snap parliamentary elections. Sall left office in April after 12 years in power, handing over the reins to his successor Bassirou Diomaye Faye and departing Senegal for Morocco. 

The ex-president is now leading a newly formed opposition coalition from abroad, raising questions over the motives behind his return to the political fray and what it could mean for the West African country. Sall’s longtime political foe, current Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has repeatedly suggested that members of the former administration, including Sall, could be brought before the courts. 

He has accused Sall’s administration of leaving behind “catastrophic” public finances and manipulating financial figures given to international partners, which the previous leaders deny. Political science professor Maurice Soudieck Dione sees Sall’s return as an attempt “to get a grip on the political game in order to protect his own interests” in the event of any “political recriminations.” 

There is also a “personal dimension around him not having had his fill of power,” Dione suggested, pointing out that Sall had for a time toyed with the idea of running for a third presidential term. Well respected on the international stage, Sall’s final years in power were marred by a political standoff with Sonko that led to dozens of deaths and hundreds of arrests. 

His last-minute decision to postpone the presidential election in February then sparked one of Senegal’s worst crises in decades. The thirst for change among a hard-pressed population saw Sall’s hand-picked successor, Amadou Ba, crushed at the ballot box by Sonko’s former deputy Faye. 

Faye and Sonko had been released from prison just ten days before the vote. Faye dissolved the opposition-dominated parliament in September, paving the way for legislative elections. 

In returning to politics so soon, Sall has broken with the restraint normally adopted by former presidents in Senegal. As the lead candidate for the Takku Wallu Senegal coalition, Sall justified his comeback in a five-page letter, citing the need to defend the “achievements” of his time in power. He warned of the looming political and economic “dangers” faced by Senegal after months of “calamitous governance” by the new administration. 

Presidential spokesman Ousseynou Ly decried Sall’s “indecency” on social media, blaming the former head of state for years of what he described as deadly unrest, debt and corruption. 

As the election approaches, Sonko is traveling the length and breadth of Senegal promising economic transformation to excited crowds, while Sall addresses less rowdy audiences via speakerphone. 

The former president can, officially, return to the country whenever he chooses. “If he were to return to the country, we would ensure his safety because he is a citizen and former President of the Republic,” government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre told the Senegalese radio station RFM. 

“But if he returns and the courts decide to arrest him, neither the prime minister nor the head of state can do anything about it,” he said. Sonko has recently spoken of “high treason” in relation to what he termed the “catastrophic” state of public finances left by Sall’s administration. High treason is the only case in which a president can be charged. 

Legally, this would be “very complicated,” said El Hadji Mamadou Mbaye, a political science lecturer and researcher at the University of Saint-Louis. Sall is returning to politics because “in reality he never wanted to leave power,” Mbaye said. “He feels indispensable.” 

But “I don’t think the Senegalese are ready to forgive,” he added. “If he had returned, the campaign would have been much more eventful, bordering on violent,” said political science professor Dionne. “He had to carry out a very harsh crackdown on the opposition,” he added, referring to the years of turmoil. “The wounds have not healed.” 

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Senegalese PM slams French military bases on territory

Neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pushed out French troops and turned to Russia for help fighting jihadist insurgencies on their territory…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal’s prime minister Ousmane Sonko raised the possibility of closing French military bases in the West African country on Thursday in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the euro-backed CFA franc currency, oil and gas deals and LGBTQ rights.

Sonko, a firebrand politician who gained power when his hand-picked presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won a decisive victory in March, is known for criticizing perceived overreach by France in its former colony.

France has about 350 troops in Senegal.

“More than 60 years after our independence … we must question the reasons why the French army for example still benefits from several military bases in our country and the impact of this presence on our national sovereignty and our strategic autonomy,” Sonko said at a joint conference with the French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon in the capital Dakar.

“I reiterate here the desire of Senegal to have its own control, which is incompatible with the lasting presence of foreign military bases in Senegal … Many countries have promised defense agreements, but this does not justify the fact that a third of the Dakar region is now occupied by foreign garrisons.”

Neighbours Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have pushed out French troops and turned to Russia for help fighting jihadist insurgencies on their territory.

They have also turned away from West African bloc ECOWAS — which condemned their coups — and formed their own alliance of Sahel states.

But Sonko had friendly words for them on Thursday. “We will not let go of our brothers in the Sahel and we will do everything necessary to strengthen the ties,” he said.

He also said Senegal, which shares the euro-pegged CFA franc currency with seven countries, would like a flexible currency pegged to at least two currencies to help absorb shocks and support export competitiveness. During the election campaign, Faye had initially pledged to abandon the CFA franc but later backed off his promise. Sonko reiterated promises to renegotiate oil and gas contracts in Senegal, where production is due to begin this year.

He also called on Western countries to show “restraint, respect, reciprocity and tolerance” on social matters including LGBTQ rights and gender equality.

He said homosexuality had always existed in Senegal, but the country had “managed” it and would continue to do so according to its socio-cultural realities. “Senegal and many other African countries cannot accept any truth in legalizing this phenomenon.”

ALSO READ-Senegal’s president names ‘breakaway’ govt

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Senegal’s president names ‘breakaway’ govt

Faye looks set to share responsibilities with his appointed prime minister and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, who helped propel the political newcomer’s rise to power…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye named a “breakaway” government on Friday, appointing a host of fresh faces to top roles following his landslide election win last month.

The 44-year-old, who has never before held elected office, swept to a first-round victory on a promise of radical reform, becoming the country’s youngest president.

Faye looks set to share responsibilities with his appointed prime minister and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, who helped propel the political newcomer’s rise to power.

Sonko unveiled on Friday a cabinet of 25 ministers, hailing it as a break from the past.

“The government set up here on April 5 is a breakaway government… that embodies the project, a systemic transformation voted for by the Senegalese people,” said Sonko.

Sonko, 49, spearheaded Senegal’s anti-establishment movement but endorsed Faye on the presidential ballot after he was barred from running himself due to a defamation conviction.

Birame Souleye Diop was appointed energy minister, a strategic position in a country that is due to start producing oil and gas in 2024.

Ousmane Diagne, a former public prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal, becomes justice minister.

The government included four women, who were handed the portfolios of foreign affairs, fisheries, family and youth and culture.

Senegal is facing a host of major challenges, including an official unemployment rate of 20 percent.

Sonko said on Friday the government’s priorities would include employment for young people, lowering the cost of living and protecting human rights.

Faye defeated the ruling coalition’s candidate in a March election by a landslide, reflecting high hopes for change in the country of around 18 million.

The audit is one of the first policy moves announced since the 44-year-old former tax inspector’s inauguration on Tuesday.

“The exploitation of our natural resources, which according to the constitution belong to the people, will receive particular attention from my government,” he said.

“I will proceed with the disclosure of the effective ownership of extractive companies (and) with an audit of the mining, oil, and gas sector.”

He did provide further details, but sought also to reassure investors, who he said were “welcome in Senegal.”

“Investor rights will always be protected, as well as the interests of the state and the people,” he said. Senegal’s first offshore oil development is due to start production in mid-2024. The Sangomar oil and gas project operated by Woodside Energy WDS.AX is expected to produce about 100,000 barrels per day.

Faye’s  appointment marked a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Faye’s ascent to power, just 10 days after his release from prison, came with promises of radical reform and a fresh perspective.

The appointment of Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure and Faye’s former mentor, as prime minister, signals a collaborative approach to governance. Sonko, known for his anti-establishment stance, played a pivotal role in Faye’s journey to the presidency, despite being unable to contest the election himself due to legal constraints.

The close relationship between Faye and Sonko was evident during their joint campaign tour, where they received enthusiastic support from crowds chanting their names in unison. Sonko’s endorsement of Faye further solidified their alliance, culminating in Faye’s decisive victory in the presidential election.

As Faye assumes the presidency, Sonko’s role as prime minister is expected to be influential in shaping the new government. With his vast experience and grassroots support, Sonko brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the administration.

During the inauguration ceremony, Sonko received a warm reception from his supporters and affirmed his commitment to working closely with Faye to implement their shared vision for Senegal. As he prepares to form the government, Sonko expressed his intention to present a proposal of government appointments to Faye in the near future.

Faye’s landslide victory in the election underscores the public’s confidence in his leadership and his ability to bring about meaningful change. With Sonko by his side, Faye is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and steer Senegal towards a brighter future.

Sonko, who came third in the 2019 presidential election, had been embroiled in a series of legal cases since 2021 that he said were politically motivated and aimed to curtail his bid for the presidency.

The unrest linked to his legal woes left dozens dead and hundreds arrested.

Following their release from jail, Faye and Sonko embarked on a whirlwind campaign tour with the aim of spreading their “project” for the people.

Sonko on Tuesday evening reiterated their programme “for a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal” that “we drew up together, that we presented together to the Senegalese people and that we defended together”.

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Senegal top court upholds March 24 presidential vote

President Macky Sall postponed the February election and tried to push it back to December at the last minute, sparking a crisis and deadly protests…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal’s top court on Friday upheld the holding of a deferred presidential election on March 24, rejecting an attempt by disqualified candidates to cancel the date.

The rejected candidates and allied lawmakers had called for presidential decrees temporarily suspending the date of the vote and the campaign’s duration.

If the Supreme Court had accepted the requests, the electoral process would have been called into question at the last minute.

The court said the issue did not fall within its purview, adding that the Constitutional Council had “full jurisdiction in electoral matters.”

President Macky Sall postponed the February election and tried to push it back to December at the last minute, sparking a crisis and deadly protests.

He was then forced to reset the date to March 24.

“This election is the most important we’ve ever had. Many people have died, life has become more expensive, and the Senegalese are tired. We need a new system,” said Hamza Soumboundou, a first-year applied arts student at Gaston Berger University in the northern city of Saint-Louis.

The 20-year-old wants the next president to create jobs, fight corruption and injustice, develop agriculture, and cancel foreign fishing agreements.

He also hopes for the re-establishment of the rule of law, which he says was flouted under outgoing President Sall.

UGB is the second largest in the country and was badly hit by the political crisis triggered by the delay to the February 25 presidential poll.

Two students were killed and several others injured in protests that left a total of four people dead across the country.

UGB has experienced less unrest than Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, but protests there are known to descend into violence. Clashes over grant payments in 2018 left one student dead.

ALSO READ-Dubai Chamber’s ‘In Focus’ Reaches Morocco, Senegal

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Dubai Chamber’s ‘In Focus’ Reaches Morocco, Senegal

The session was attended by 95 representatives of private sector companies from the emirate…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully hosted the latest edition of its “In Focus” initiative to provide Dubai-based companies with a deeper understanding of the trade and investment landscapes in Morocco and Senegal, as well as opportunities throughout North and West Africa.

The session was attended by 95 representatives of private sector companies from the emirate.

“In Focus” provides a platform for Dubai businesses to engage with public and private sector leaders from selected markets to promote cross-border partnerships and drive mutual business growth.

Participants benefit from access to first-hand information on the targeted countries and regions, in addition to expert guidance on international expansion including market intelligence, business introductions, and company set-up processes.

The Morocco and Senegal “In Focus” event enabled Dubai-based companies to connect with key stakeholders from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities and highlighted the support Dubai International Chamber offers to businesses aiming to expand their operations into key African markets.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented, “Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and holds tremendous potential for greater private sector engagement. We have been organising events and trade missions to support Dubai-based businesses in accessing African markets. This edition of ‘In Focus’ is dedicated to highlighting growth opportunities in Morocco and Senegal while deepening trade and investment links between Dubai and the two markets.”

Lootah added, “Supporting the expansion of Dubai businesses into these two key emerging markets aligns with our strategic focus on boosting foreign trade to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the economy over the coming decade.”

The event featured a presentation outlining the key synergies between Dubai and the African continent, with a focus on the promising avenues for Dubai companies in Morocco and Senegal. This was followed by an engaging session on doing business in the two countries and potential trade and investment opportunities, together with the various government initiatives and measures implemented to foster a conducive business environment.

The event concluded with a session where business matching experts explained the objectives of the forthcoming ‘New Horizons’ trade missions to Morocco and Senegal, outlined the registration and shortlisting process, and addressed any mission-related questions. As a result, the event successfully attracted strong interest and registrations for the upcoming trade missions.

Dubai Chambers has identified aluminium and fruits and nuts as high-potential import sectors to Morocco, in addition to agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and tourism as high-potential sectors for investment in Senegal.

“In Focus” serves as a prelude to the “New Horizons” initiative, in which the chamber organises tailor-made trade missions to selected countries. These roadshows offer an engaging combination of meetings with key stakeholders in each country, site visits to industrial and economic zones, and cultural activities. In 2023, the chamber successfully led several “New Horizons” tratrade missions to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia; London in the United Kingdom; Johannesburg in South Africa; Kenya and Rwanda in East Africa; Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria in West Africa; and Hong Kong.

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Senegal’s ex-PM in custody after criticism

In an open letter published in local media last week, Soumare, who was prime minister from 2007 to 2009, accused Sall of giving 12 million euro from a “poor country” to a French politician…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal’s former prime minister has been taken into custody after he publicly suggested that the country’s president had funded a French politician during a recent visit.

Cheikh Haguibou Soumare was detained Thursday but he has not been told the charges against him, his lawyer Adama Gueye told a press conference Thursday.

The government is accusing the ex-prime minister of trying to discredit President Macky Sall by publishing an open letter that suggested Sall gave money to French right-wing politician Marine Le Pen. Le Pen, a member of France’s National Rally party, ran for the French presidency and lost last year and visited the West African country in January.

In an open letter published in local media last week, Soumare, who was prime minister from 2007 to 2009, accused Sall of giving 12 million euro from a “poor country” to a French politician. “If by any chance all of this were true, please enlighten the Senegalese people as to whether you acted as president of the Republic of Senegal or as a leader of a political party and with what money,” said the letter.

Sall’s government strongly criticized the letter.

“The (Senegal) government firmly rejects and condemns such cowardly and baseless insinuations, which clearly demonstrate an evil desire to discredit the person of the president of the republic, to undermine the institution that he embodies and to harm relations between Senegal and a foreign power,” said Abdou Karim Fofana the government spokesman in a statement this week.

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Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 to qualify for knockout stage

The Lions of Teranga, thus will make it to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years…reports Armstrong Vaz

A match winner from Kalidou Koulibaly helped Senegal over the challenge of Ecuador 2-1 in the Group A match of the FIFA World Cup and to qualify for the knockout stage.

At the Khalifa International Stadium, all three goals came from players based in England. Senegal, ranked 18 on the FIFA ranking computer went into the lead in the 44th minute through Watford’s Ismaila Sarr penalty conversion and went into the half time break leading 1-0.

In the second half, Ecuador, ranked 44, hit back through Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo in the 67th minute to draw level. The lead lasted for just three minutes with Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly scoring Senegal’s second goal of the match to give the lead to the African Cup of Nations champions.

The Lions of Teranga, thus will make it to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years.

The African champions, who are in Qatar without Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane, are to meet Group B winners, the group which consists of England, USA, Iran and Wales. The last round matches of the group B take place on Tuesday with Iran taking on USA and Wales meeting England in the ‘local derby’.

Senegal, which lost to The Netherlands 2-0, finished their league engagements with six points with two wins and one loss to finish second in the group behind leaders Netherlands. The Europeans completed their league engagements with two wins and one draw, recording identical 2-0 wins over Senegal and Qatar. Their only draw came against Ecuador 1-1.

Senegal first win in the group came against hosts Qatar, while Ecuador had started the proceedings in the 29-day tournament with a 2-0 win over the hosts, and then drew with the Netherlands and lost their last match, to finish third with four points

Hosts Qatar finished at the bottom of the table losing all their matches and conceding seven goals and scoring one goal, the worst record for the World Cup hosts. The hosts’ only goal of the tournament came in 3-1 loss to Ecuador.

The hosts, who never featured in any of the editions of the World Cup but were playing in the current championship on account of being hosts thus joined South Africa as the only hosts which did not make it beyond the first round.

Senegal and Netherlands now join Portugal, Brazil and France into the last 16 stage.

Ecuador, which had played with freedom and creativity in their opening two matches to leave themselves needing only a draw to reach the last 16, paid the price for a passive display. The vibrancy of their earlier performances was nowhere to be seen under the pressure of protecting what they had. Ecuador flopped on the promise of the opening match with Enner Valencia unable to revive himself one last time.

Senegal spurred on by an almost non-stop drumming from their supporters and knowing they needed to win, were uninhibited by contrast.

Aliou Cisse’s side controlled the first half. Senegal found swathes of space in and around the Ecuador area early on as the South Americans began on a shaky note but Idrissa Gueye and Boulaye Dia both failed to finish off the opportunities that came their way and ended up shooting wide.

Senegal did not have to wait for long as the breakthrough goal came when Angelo Preciado and central defender Felix Torres misjudged the flight of a long ball out of the Senegal defence. Sarr read it perfectly.

The Watford winger muscled in ahead of Torres on the left and took one touch inside the area before being clattered by a clumsy challenge from centre-half Piero Hincapie. French referee Clement Turpin immediately pointed to the spot and Sarr, who had missed his two previous penalties at club level, stroked a confident penalty inside the bottom left corner with Ecuador goalkeeper Galindez rooted to his line.

At the end of first half, Ecuador’s Argentinian coach Gustavo Julio Alfaro brought in three changes taking out Carlos Gruezo and replacing him with Jose Cifuentes, Alan Franco making way for Jeremy Sarmiento and Michael Estrada going out and Djorkaeff Reasco taking his place on the turf.

Thereafter, he brought in Jackson Porozo for Angelo Preciado as the South American side tried all combinations to break into the rival defense in pursuit of the equalizer.

On the other hand, Senegal coach Aliou Cisse also brought in a fresh pair of legs in the 74th minute to keep Ecuador at bay with Iliman Ndiaye making way for Cheikh Dieng and Pathe Ciss taking over from Nampalys Mendy.

The introduction of Cifuentes and Sarmiento sparked an immediate improvement for Ecuador and, for the first time in the game, Senegal were on the back foot for a sustained spell.

The equaliser came off a set piece situation. Gonzalo Plata’s delivery was met by a header from Torres and fell to Caicedo, left completely unmarked at the back post and kept onside by Sabaly standing on the goal-line at the opposite post. The Brighton midfielder tucked away a simple finish and the Senegal drums fell silent. But they were beating again within two minutes.

Ecuador’s moment of triumph quickly turned to despair when Gana Gueye swung a free-kick into a crowded Ecuador penalty area. The ball struck Ecuador’s goalscorer on the thigh and looped up for Koulibaly to restore Senegal’s precious lead with a close range volley beyond Galndez.

Senegal were able to hold on to their own amid a nervy six minutes of stoppage time to finish as runners-up in Group A, with Koulibaly’s first international goal sending the Africa Cup of Nations’ champions to the last 16 stage.

Referee Clement Turpin kept the proceedings under control by showing the yellow card to Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal in the 66th minute.

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Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0 in their World Cup opener

The two sides had struggled to break the impasse until late in the match with the Dutch failing to score with several attempts at the goal…reports Asian Lite News

The Netherlands surprised with two quick goals in the second half in their opening match against Senegal in Doha on Monday.

The Dutch managed to emerge victorious in a tightly contested match as their African counterparts showed resilience through 90 minutes.

Cody Gakpo scored towards the end of play time while substitute Davy Klaassen netted home the second one in injury time to beat Senegal 2-0 in their World Cup Group A opening match at Al Thumama Stadium.

The two sides had struggled to break the impasse until late in the match with the Dutch failing to score with several attempts at the goal.

“It was a difficult game and we were not careful with the ball… I think we can do a lot better but the victory obviously gives us a good feeling. We were clearly in search of a goal and eventually we got it,” said Gakpo after the match.

The Netherlands will meet Ecuador in their second match on November 25, while Senegal will play against Qatar on the same day.

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Africa News UK News

UK provides finance for emergency services in Senegal

Mike Freer, UK Minister for Exports, said, “The UK can provide a leading role when it comes to exporting fire safety equipment…reports Asian Lite News

A historic agreement has been agreed between UKEF and the Senegalese government to strengthen the nation’s fire response services, in a deal that will bolster UK exports to the region.

UKEF has supported a £116.5 million loan from Standard Chartered using a mix of Buyer Credit and Direct Lending which will be used to purchase fire-fighting and other life-saving emergency equipment in Senegal.

This is the first deal that UKEF has supported in Senegal and follows UKEF’s largest-ever deal in West Africa last year, worth over £200 million to support the construction of six hospitals in the Côte d’Ivoire.

Mike Freer, UK Minister for Exports, said, “The UK can provide a leading role when it comes to exporting fire safety equipment. This deal demonstrates how British ingenuity can better protect communities abroad and shows how the government can help UK businesses export their best-in-class equipment and services. UKEF can help overseas buyers access financial support to make their projects happen, provided they commit to sourcing goods and services from the UK. This helps open new doors for world-class British suppliers to trade overseas.”

The lifesaving equipment will make Senegal’s fire and medical services better armed to respond to emergencies. As a result of the UKEF backing, over £34 million pounds worth of goods and materials for the project will come from UK suppliers. UK-made ambulances, fire trucks, footwear for first responders and medical equipment will be exported throughout Senegal.

Louis Taylor, CEO of UK Export Finance, said, “Senegal is a unique market for UK exporters to tap into. I’ve seen for myself this week how the UK and Senegal can work together to unlock projects in the country with our financing and open new trade routes for UK companies.”

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Senegal wins first-ever AFCON title

After a tense shootout, Senegal’s most precious player and forward Mane scored the winning spot-kick as Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win their first-ever AFCON trophy…reports Asian Lite News

Senegal are the new kings of African football as the Teranga Lions won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title beating Egypt in the final on penalties on Sunday evening.

The final ended 0-0 after 120 minutes with a major opportunity coming from a penalty for Senegal that was missed by Sadio Mane just seven minutes into the match.

After a tense shootout, Senegal’s most precious player and forward Mane scored the winning spot-kick as Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win their first-ever AFCON trophy.

After reaching the AFCON final in 2002 and 2019 and losing, Senegal restored their reputation on the African football scene with the victory at the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaounde.

Egypt will soon have a chance for revenge when the two sides meet again next month in a two-legged play-off for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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