Dear Lions of Teranga,

On the eve of this great meeting against the Democratic Republic of Congo, we want to remind you of a glorious page in our football history. On December 14, 1975, Senegal achieved a resounding feat by beating Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), then considered a true powerhouse in African football, in Kinshasa itself, during the qualifiers for the 1976 Olympic Games. In 1974 and well before, the African continent was only entitled to one place at the World Cup. Zaire is the only country that had participated in the 1974 World Cup in West Germany after Morocco in 1970. On December 14, 1975, Tabaski day in Senegal, all eyes were turned towards Kinshasa, ears glued to the radios to listen to Abdoulaye Diaw, special correspondent of Radio Senegal, broadcast this match against the 1974 World Cup winners who were favored by the predictions. Your elders had proven that nothing is impossible when you fly the flag for Senegal with courage, discipline, and pride. Tied in both matches (3-1 for Senegal in Dakar and 2-0 for Zaire in Kinshasa), the two teams had to be separated by penalties. Senegal scored all 5 of its shots (Oumar Ndiaye Bosquier of US Gorée scored the 5th) while Amady Diop saved a Zairean shot. Senegal with Amady Diop, Bosquier, Eusebio, Léopold Diop, Yamagor Seck, Christophe Sagna,... beat Zaire with the excellent Ndaye, Kazadi, Lobilo, Kibongué, Kakoko.

Nearly half a century later, history calls you back to this same soil. You carry the legacy of your predecessors, and through you, the hopes of an entire people are expressed. Every step you take on the pitch in Kinshasa this Tuesday will be carried by the strength of the 18 million Senegalese, united behind you, vibrant in unison with your efforts and your ambitions.

Senegalese football has grown, matured, and earned the respect of the entire world. African champions, world champions, you embody the pride of our nation and the spirit of Teranga. This Tuesday, September 9, 2025, it's not just a match you'll play: it's a new page of history you'll write, reminding us that Senegalese determination never shies away from any challenge. Not long ago, you beat the great England team at home when you were not favored by the predictions.

Lions, remember: Kinshasa has already known Senegal's glory. Make that name resonate once again, with the same audacity, the same courage, and the same thirst for victory as your elders in 1975. You are not just going to play a football match. You are going to rewrite history by repeating the feat of your predecessors and showing that Senegal is a land of champions. Go after this success, because it is within your reach.

Let your roars shake the stadium, let your hearts beat as one.

Forward Lions, for History, for the Nation, for Senegal and for the international Séga Sakho who died on September 9, 2024. Exactly one year. Mbarawathie!!!!!

Samba Mangane journalist