Senegal fans in New York hunt tickets and relive 2002 before France clash | OneFootball

Organised supporters’ groups were denied entry to the United States, yet Senegal can still expect fervent backing in New York as they face France at MetLife Stadium in the World Cup.

According to L'Équipe, 116th Street north of Central Park, Little Dakar, and the Senegalese centre in Harlem have become rallying points as fans try to source tickets.

Many have arrived from across the United States and Europe, some staying with family in New Jersey. Resale prices are at 1,000 dollars for Category 1 and 500 for Category 4 after starting near 60. Those without tickets plan to soak up the atmosphere there.

The community keeps returning to 2002, when Senegal beat France 1-0 in the World Cup opener. Supporters trade in folklore, from joking about putting a spell on Zinedine Zidane to the idea that Papa Bouba Diop’s 19 and El-Hadji Diouf’s 11 make 30, the minute of the goal.

Predictions vary, with some tipping 2-1 featuring Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, and others dreaming of going all the way.

Others describe a dual identity, supporting both Senegal and France, and say the trip is costly, estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 euros. A few say tickets came via the Senegalese federation after the FIFA site rejected applications, and they find the vibe in New York quieter than Russia or Qatar.

One Chicago-based fan paid 900 dollars for a seat and packed four different Senegal shirts for four days. He admits nerves about facing France, then laughs that Senegal will win.

Source: L'Équipe