Daouda Ba, the calm anchor who secured Senegal's bronze
Under the heat of the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Senegal stepped onto the pitch determined to close CHAN 2024 with a victory that would restore the team’s morale. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the match went to a penalty shootout, and it was Daouda Ba who emerged as the standout figure, securing the bronze medal.
From the first minutes, Ba demonstrated why he deserved the Man of the Match award. His game reading was impeccable: intercepting opponents’ attacks, distributing passes clearly, and keeping the team organized. “It was a pleasure to play this game. We gave everything until the last minute, we never gave up. Alhamdoulilah,” he said, reflecting the determination he brought to Senegal’s midfield.
Senegal needed someone to restore confidence after the semi-final elimination against Morocco, and Ba assumed this role with calm and maturity. “Everyone worked very hard. We made sacrifices for ourselves, our families, and our cause,” he added, emphasizing the collective strength that guided the team throughout the match.
When the tension peaked during the penalty shootout, Ba’s presence was decisive. Every move seemed steadied by his composure and assurance. “We thank our coach, who did so much for us, and my teammates, without whom nothing would have been possible,” he stated, highlighting the teamwork that allowed them to overcome the final challenge.
At the final whistle, Senegal celebrated not only third place but also the spirit of unity and determination embodied by Ba throughout the tournament. “After the second phase of the mission, we talked among ourselves and knew we could overcome any challenge. We are well-prepared, united, and fought together until the end. We achieved it thanks to the team’s collective effort,” he concluded, visibly emotional.
With this performance, Daouda Ba established himself as the senior reference in a young team, proving that leadership, tactical intelligence, and resilience can make all the difference in decisive moments. The bronze belongs to him, but also to everyone who fought side by side.
