Benin rallies for African teams

Cotonou- Benin (PANA) -- Though their country is not among those at the football World Cup, Benin's fans have actively mobilised to support Africa's teams.
The national television has purchased new equipment to ensure better reception of the matches, some of which are broadcast live.
"The channel of great events" (the national television's nickname) submitted a new event-adapted broadcast schedule to the High audio-visual and communication authority which is the ruling entity of the media.
The channel broadcast live the Senegal-France and Cameroon- Ireland matches on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
The scheme will be kept until the end of the contest, said Pierrette Djossou-Amoussou the new manager of the channel.
Debates and forecasts are pervading private and public radio and TV broadcasts.
The Daily Le Matin, which sent a sports editor to Seoul, is keeping local readers abreast of events at the World Cup 2002.
The announcers who endorse serials to launch or advertise their products are now using the World Cup to their advantages.
Dealers of TV sets have seized the occasion to attract more people by offering a slight reduction in price.
Several cyber centres and refreshment shops have purchased TV sets to lure customers.
Forecasts in those places flow on all sides but mostly bet in favour of African teams.
During the Senegal versus France match, Cotonou streets were deserted in some areas, and so they were on Saturday morning when Cameroon played Ireland.
In front of workshops or shops whose owners welcomed those who do not have TV sets, the small crowds showed how high the stake is.
Taxicab drivers have their customers listen to the match reports with live RFI (Radio France international) broadcast.
Public employee Arsène Nusugan like many other civil servants in Benin, Friday afternoon offered himself a leave after Senegal downed France.
Eager football fans thronged refreshment shops in Scoa-Gbéto, mainly hosting the Senegalese community, and feasted until the wee hours of Saturday.
Mamadou Fall, an embroidery maker residing in Benin for some ten years now said, "Africa has already been the winner, even if it did not reach the final.
" And why not beat France, said Ahissou Macaire, an economics student at the University of Abomey Calavi, who was participating in the Senegalese district party.
With teams like "the Lions of Teranga," "the indomitable Lions," "Nigeria's Super Eagles," Africa must not have any fear.
Though visibly thwarted by Cameroon's draw with Ireland, Beninese of all walks of live wished the World Cup were brought to Africa.