Senegal players and fans pay tribute to legendary Papa Bouba Diop on anniversary of his death after securing World Cup progression

Both Senegalese players and fans have paid tribute to Papa Bouba Diop as they qualified for the World Cup knockouts two years on from his death. 

​Diop made his name in England with FulhamCapped 63 times for his countryPassed away two years ago

WHAT HAPPENED? Senegal paid tribute to Diop after a 2-1 win over Ecuador, a result that secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 20 years. Current captain Kalidou Koulibaly wore ’19’ over his armband, the number Diop donned for the national team, and the players gathered at the end of the game to parade a banner picturing the former midfielder. The tributes didn’t end on the pitch though, with a group of fans doing their bit in the stands.

An incredible tribute from these ?? fans for their No.19 Papa Bouba Diop who passed away on this day in 2020 ?❤?#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eKvMxspRpL

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 29, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Diop played for Senegal the last time they got through the World Cup groups, scoring against defending champions France in the opening game of the 2002 tournament. That was one of 11 goals he netted for his country with the rest littered through friendlies and AFCON tournaments.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

WHAT NEXT FOR SENEGAL: Aliou Cisse’s side will try and use the momentum from their win against Ecuador to fire them through to the quarter-finals. However, they will be without Idrissa Gueye through suspension. He’ll be a big miss, especially if they end up playing England, which is more than likely.