Senegal want to surprise again

02 Mar. 2021

Senegal want to surprise again

Since French coach Frederic Bougeant took over in 2016, the Senegal women’s national team have undergone a massive shake-up, becoming one of the top teams in Africa.

Bougeant, a well-respected coach in France, where he led both Fleury Loiret and Nantes Atlantique Handball, as well as dipping his toes at Russian powerhouse Rostov-Don, transformed an average side into a powerhouse, with Senegal finishing 18th at the 2019 IHF Women’s World Championship, the second-best African country after Angola.

Now, the 45-year-old French ace is leading Cherbourg’s men’s team in the second league in France, but is also keen to try his mettle in women’s handball, eyeing the first ever Olympic berth for Senegal.

His tactical nous and leadership have inspired a side that stagnated over the past years, yet was brimming with potential, thanks to crucial players already improving in the competitive French league.

Since Japan 2019, players have improved even more, with goalkeeper Hatadou Sako becoming a cornerstone for French powerhouse Metz Handball, both in the DELO EHF Champions League and in the French league, where she places fourth in the number of saves and third in saving percentage (33%) after 14 matches.

However, Sako cannot win matches by herself – it is all about team effort and discipline, features that Bougeant insisted on when he joined the Senegalese women’s national team. That is how Senegal impressed at Japan 2019, winning two games and staying close to European powerhouses like Romania and Montenegro.

Having 14 players in the roster who had experience in the first two leagues in France also helped, with the likes of Fleury trio Amina Sankhare, Raissa Dapina and Laura Kamdop boosting the Senegalese squad with their experience.

Yet, the lack of competitive games at international level in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic could prove to be crucial for the Senegalese side. 

Opponents such as Spain and Sweden both played at the Women’s EHF EURO 2020 in December, while Bougeant did not have the chance to see his team at work in official games since the 17/18 Placement Match at Japan 2019, 15 months ago.

According to Sako, the players did not meet for more than 20 days in 2020 – a fact that could put them at a disadvantage.

However, the mood in the Senegalese squad is upbeat and the Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 in Spain is seen as a good test.

“I think Spain are the top team in this tournament, therefore we must beat Argentina and Sweden if we are to proceed to the Olympic Games. Everything is possible when we play a single game, so, I can tell you that I do believe in our chances,” said Senegal’s captain Hawa N’Diaye before a training camp attended by the Senegalese players.

Japan 2019 was Senegal’s first-ever IHF Women’s World Championship. An Olympic berth would also be a first for the African side. Yet, for this to happen Senegal must win at least one game against a European side, another first in their history. They believe in their strength, but will they be able to do it?

Key players: Hatadou Sako (goalkeeper), Laura Kamdop (line player), Amina Sankhare (centre back), Hawa N’Diaye (line player)

Qualification for Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020: 2018 CAHB African Championship – 2nd place 
 
History in Olympic Games: 1936-2016: DNQ
  
Tokyo Handball Qualification 2020 – Tournament 1: Spain (ESP), Sweden (SWE), Argentina (ARG), Senegal (SEN)