The confirmation of a Round of 32 tie between Senegal and Belgium proved bittersweet news for one player in the Red Devils camp: Amadou Onana.
In a recently-resurfaced interview he gave before the , the Belgium midfielder said that he hoped not to have to go up against Senegal. “During the draw, I was at the club [Aston Villa] and I was thinking, ‘Please, don’t make me play against them [Senegal]. Give me France if you want, give me anyone, but not Senegal'," he said.
The reason he was so keen to avoid facing the African side is simple: Senegal has a special place in his heart.
“I have a very, very strong connection with Senegal. I’m a true Galsen [a slang term for “Senegalese”]. Wolof is my mother tongue; I spoke Wolof before I spoke French. I was born in Dakar, my entire family lives there, except for my mother and my brothers and sisters, who are in Brussels. I go back once a year. It’s where I go to reset and recharge my batteries," he added.
When it comes to football, Onana’s allegiance lies with the Red Devils, but his affection for the Lions of Teranga runs deep. For someone who has supported Senegal since childhood, setting aside those emotions in Seattle will not be easy, even if there is little doubt that he is fully committed to making Belgium shine on world football’s global stage.
“If you ask my mum, she’ll tell you that if Senegal’s playing, you’ll find me in front of the TV. And I have so many friends in that team. As I said, I have a deep connection with the country. During the Africa Cup of Nations, I was completely obsessed.”
Having started for Belgium against Egypt, which ended in a 1-1 draw, he watched the goalless draw against IR Iran from the bench and came on late in the Red Devils’ 5-1 victory over New Zealand, which secured their place in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, after setbacks against France (3-1) and Norway (3-2), Senegal revived their campaign by thrashing Iraq 5-0, narrowly booking their place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. And that is how fate set the stage for a matchup between Belgium and Senegal.
Perhaps there is a parallel universe in which Onana is preparing for this match wearing Senegal’s colours. But in this universe, the Aston Villa midfielder will face the country of his birth as a Belgian international, as he never featured in Senegal’s plans, including at youth level.
“I never received a call-up from Senegal. Never,” said Onana, who progressed through Belgium’s youth ranks before reaching the senior team.
As well as being a lifelong Senegal fan, Onana loves Senegalese cuisine and is an ambassador for the International Football Academy, a youth development programme based in Tivaouane, but those things will have to wait – for now. Once the match starts, there will be no time for sentimentalism. But whatever the result, it may prove a little bittersweet.
Sources: FIFA Official
