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The project cost 156 billion FCFA, according to the presidency, or regarding 237 million euros. The complex, which can accommodate 50,000 people, was built in less than two years by the Turkish company Summa, located in Diamniadio in the suburbs of Dakar. The occasion for a popular celebration, despite the jostling. A diplomatic and political event as well.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
President Macky Sall and his counterparts Recep Tayyip Erdogan from Turkey, Paul Kagame from Rwanda, Adama Barrow from Gambia and George Weah from Liberia exchange a few passes in the middle of the stadium, symbol of a “pan-African” event for Patrice Motsepe, president of the confederation African football: ” It’s a historic day for African football! All the presidents who are here encourage us for the development of Africa. »
Sport, a tool of diplomacy but also of national unity for President Macky Sall, who paid tribute to his predecessor Abdoulaye Wade, despite tensions on the case of his son Karim Wade
“The unifying virtues of sport remind us that we are one and the same nation. This is why I decided to give the name of the stadium to my illustrious predecessor, President Abdoulaye Wade. »
A tribute also paid to recent champions of Africa by FIFA President Gianni Infantino: “ It is truly one of the most beautiful stadiums I have seen, not just in Africa, but in the whole world. Well done ! Long live football, long live Senegal champion of Africa! Se-ne-gal! »
The stadium will host the Senegal/Egypt second leg of the World Cup qualifiers on March 29. ” It’s going to heat up! said a supporter. Who will win? “ It’s not a question! We are champions of Africa. »
