Senegal World Cup win for the whole of Africa, says former West Ham star Diafra Sakho

Senegal players celebrate during their 2-0 win over Poland
AP

Former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho dedicated Senegal's win over Poland to the whole of Africa and says it is time an African nation fulfilled Pele's prophecy by winning the World Cup 2018.

Senegal became the first African team to win a point in Russia with a 2-1 victory over Poland in Moscow's Spartak Stadium. It followed opening-game defeats for Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria, while Mo Salah's Pharaohs lost again to Russia last night, leaving them on the brink on elimination.

Just as in 2014, when the whole of Africa appeared to mourn Ghana's controversial quarter-final exit to Uruguay, Sakho says the continent is united behind its five World Cup representatives.

The Rennes forward claimed the support powered Senegal to yesterday's victory and, given such backing, he hopes it will not be long before an African side are crowned world champions -- as Brazil legend Pele famously predicted would happen by 2000.

Memorable moments of the World Cup 2018 so far

"Four African teams lost their first games and today we're just happy to win this game," Sakho said afterwards. "The whole of the African nation waits for this. I'm just happy for Senegal.

"Today the World Cup is very important for African teams. We saw Egypt, Tunisia and Nigeria lose their first games and playing for Africa gave us power. Today all of Africa is happy [with our win]."

The dynamic could scarcely be more different in Europe or South America where shared borders mean fiercer rivalries and Sakho added: "It's true [it's not the same in Europe] but it's important.

"We need to stay together if the African continent is going to win a World Cup. It's very important job for us to keep it this way, to play together. We're going to do a lot of victories.

In Pictures | Poland vs Senegal, World Cup | 19/06/2018

1/28

"It's time now to give us in Africa an opportunity to win a World Cup."

Sakho's teammate Kalidou Koulibaly echoed his sentiments, adding: "We saw the first games of the African teams and we saw they didn't win. We were disappointed but we're happy that we won this game.

"We support them, like they support us. We hope this win is a big step for us and all the African teams."