Senegal Center Gorgui Dieng has stated playing in front of home fans “its a great thing” ahead of this year’s World Cup qualifying phase.
The 6 foot 11 inch defender made the statement prior to the West African nation’s qualifying games against Central African Republic, Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
The first round of games in Group D takes place from February 23-25 in Maputo, Mozambique with the return leg set for June 29-July 1 in Dakar, Senegal.
Dieng, who plays with Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, will not be available for the first phase of qualifiers in Maputo due to the ongoing season but will be available for the home games; the former Louisville star is relishing the prospect:
“People get more involved, so it’s a great thing…For me, it’s a big honor playing for my country” he said in an interview with FIBA.com
Senegal is vying to be one of five teams to represent Africa at the 2019 World Cup which will be held in China and have 32 countries compete with USA as defending champions.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
