Senegal Wins Fourth Gold at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
The men's 3x3 basketball team secured gold against Lithuania in a thrilling overtime victory.
1Fourth Gold Medal Secured
Senegal reached a historic milestone at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar on Monday, November 9. The host nation claimed its fourth gold medal in just three days. This latest victory came from the men's 3x3 basketball team, which successfully defeated Lithuania in a highly competitive match that required overtime play.
2Dramatic Overtime Finish
The final score of the men's 3x3 basketball gold medal match was 14-13 in favor of Senegal. The game remained intense until the final moments, forcing the teams into overtime. Papa Mamadou Cissé, a terminal student, scored the decisive basket that secured the win, sparking massive celebrations among the local home crowd.
3Wrestling Sets the Pace
Before the basketball success, Senegal's wrestling team had already established a dominant performance during the weekend. The wrestlers secured the country's first three gold medals, setting a high standard for the host nation. This momentum provided a strong foundation for other athletes to excel throughout the early stages of the games.
4Women's Team Bronze Success
The women's 3x3 basketball team also contributed to the nation's medal tally on Monday. They secured a bronze medal after a dramatic victory against Egypt. The match was decided in the final second, as the Senegalese players overcame a deficit to win, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under extreme pressure.
5Player and Coach Perspectives
Papa Mamadou Cissé emphasized that his winning shot was a collective effort rather than an individual achievement. Meanwhile, women's team coach Sabelle Diatta highlighted the importance of persistence and belief. She expressed confidence that the current talent pool has the potential to elevate Senegal's standing in the sport on the global stage.
6National Pride in Dakar
The atmosphere in the venue was described as packed and electric throughout the competition. Supporters expressed immense pride, using the local Wolof expression 'Sénégal rek' to signify their unwavering support for the team. The national anthem has now played four times in three days, marking a significant period for Senegalese youth sports.
7Growth of 3x3 Basketball
The success of both the men's and women's teams highlights the growing prominence of 3x3 basketball within the country. Coach Sabelle Diatta has actively called for continued national support for this discipline. The rapid rise of these athletes suggests that the sport is gaining significant traction among the youth in Senegal.
8Context of Youth Games
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar serve as a major platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills. By hosting the event, Senegal has utilized the opportunity to highlight its athletic infrastructure and local sporting culture. The performance of the basketball teams underscores the nation's competitive spirit in international youth events.
Original article: RFI – Afrique — Senegal Wins Fourth Gold at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games