Fans take to streets as nation celebrates historic triumph

It was a moment this nation will never forget. Scenes of collective hysteria broke out in the Senegalese capital here yesterday and throughout the country when the referee blew the final whistle of the historic France v Senegal opening World Cup match in Seoul yesterday, with the score standing at 0-1.

It was a moment this nation will never forget. Scenes of collective hysteria broke out in the Senegalese capital here yesterday and throughout the country when the referee blew the final whistle of the historic France v Senegal opening World Cup match in Seoul yesterday, with the score standing at 0-1.

Thousands of men and women holding up effigies rushed into the flag-draped streets here, converging on the Place de l'Indépendence in the city centre to sing the praises of their team, and the magic goal scored by Papa Bouba Diop in the 30th minute. Dakar was the capital city of France's West African empire before independence in 1960 and today's inhabitants were determined to enjoy their day.

"Defeating France, the country that colonised us, which is in our dreams, it's amazing, they don't know what they've done. It's better than historic," shouted a student over the cries of the chanting crowds.

"If they died on this Good Friday, they would all go to heaven. They have given us unforgettable joy," said a newspaper vendor.

"We beat them! We beat them!" everyone was shouting in disbelief. One group of young men were so excited by the humiliating defeat of the French that they held up a cock to slit its throat in public in a symbolic gesture.

"We're going to have that cock for dinner tonight," said Lamine Ndiaye, a pair of live roosters dangling from his hands.

Cars and motorcycles laden with passengers forged their way through crowds of people waving national flags of red, gold and green and Abdoulaye Wade, the President of Senegal who turned 76 on Wednesday, joined the throng celebrating the stunning result of the match in Seoul by touring Dakar in an open-topped limousine, raising his hand in triumphant V-for victory signs like the other supporters.

The president declared an official holiday from yesterday until tomorrow to mark Senegal's "great victory".

"I always knew they would win," he said. "What surprised me is that the Lions didn't score a second goal."

The country had ground to a halt to watch the match ,which began at 11.30 am. Some companies allowed their employees to watch the very first appearance of the Senegal team in the World Cup on television. Others paid to watch the match at the national theatre. However, a special giant screen being erected on a beach facing the Atlantic Ocean was not ready in time, leading to anger and frustration among some would-be viewers.

The majority did see the game though and at full-time some even failed to go to Friday prayers, a national institution, which was scheduled just a few minutes after the final whistle.

There was not only dancing in the streets of Dakar yesterday. In Seoul, Diop and four of his team-mates, broke into an impromptu conga to celebrate their achievement.

The Senegalese were out in force to support their Lions. During the long weekend, many supporters will be celebrating with "cock soup" because "the Lions ate the cocks".

Mamadou Diouf is Sports Editor of the Senegal daily, Le Soleil.