Just weeks after lifting their first ever African Cup of Nations title, Senegal have opened their new Stade du Senegal – a 50 000 seater, which reportedly cost €238 million (R4 billion).
It was a glorious opening ceremony, attended by the likes of Liberia president George Weah, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Senegal president Macky Sall.
In addition, a legends game between Senegal legends and African legends such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and Jay-Jay Okocha took place on the night, which ended 1-1 after goals by Okocha and a screamer by Senegal’s Khalilou Fadiga.
The Stade du Senegal or Diamniadio Stadium as it is also known will host the 2026 Youth Olympics, the first taking place in Africa.
The Stadium has all the latest technologies, including a Video Assistant Room and Goal-line Technology.
It will also host Senegal’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Egypt.
Construction only took two years and was overseen by Turkish company Summa, with costs estimated at €238 million.
