Senegal – 2022

As much as I love watching and cheering on the games with dozens or hundreds of fans, there is something so pure about watching a game with a fan in a home, in their comfortable spot they have likely watched hundreds of games. And that’s why I was so fortunate to watch the opening few minutes of Senegal’s match with Ecuador with a legit Senegal fan in his most comfortable of spots, draped in his lucky flag. This is a legit Senegal World Cup fan in Toronto!

One thing that is very clear watching the game with Ousmane, is that the energy from World Cup games doesn’t come directly from the contagious energy of a crowd, but from the individual, and the beauty of the game. Even in those opening minutes of the game, in the two remarkable chances for Senegal, the intensity of the moment was in full display. It was an honour to witness it, and the reason I love this project so much.

Part of my pure joy in spending the start of the game with Ousmane is that I had such a difficult time finding Senegalese fans in Toronto in 2018. Apparently, Montreal is the place to be to really cheer with Senegalese fans in Canada. That’s why, when I connected with Ousemane, despite having to shoot a gig in Mississauga at noon that day, I happy to travel to Scarborough, even if it was for only the opening few minutes.

With excitement like what you’re about to see below, I was bummed I wasn’t able to see the rest of the match, and a thrilling 2-1 victory for Senegal to advance to the knockout stage.

Senegal World Cup Fan in Toronto – Game Details

Date: November 29, 2022
Score of game: Ecuador 1, Senegal 2
Location: Near Scarborough Bluffs Park, Toronto, ON
Estimated number of fans at location: 1