With Senegal, Lamine Camara took the spotlight during the first round, with a flamboyant match, crowned with a double, against Gambia (3-0). But alongside him, in the young guard of the Lions of Téranga, defender Ismaïl Jakobs is also emerging from the shadows. At the age of 24, he took part in the African Cup of Nations for the first time, but already had a title in the Under-20s, that of champion…. of Europe with Germany!

Born in Cologne, of Senegalese origin through his father, he was trained in the club of his hometown, where he signed his first professional contract in 2019. It was therefore quite natural that he learned his lessons with the German selection. But this supporter of the Lions of Téranga who, as a child, wore El-Hadji Diouf's jersey when he played football, says he always had his heart turned towards Senegal: "Until Espoirs, playing with the German selection flowed source. But I always thought of Senegal."

Read alsoCAN 2024: Lamine Camara, symbol of Senegalese football in full swing

“When you grow up in Germany, you only see the German national team as your horizon,” he told AFP before the start of CAN 2024. “You don’t even think about playing for an African team. I always told my friends and family that one day I could play for Senegal."

Quickly after his title of European Espoirs champion in 2021, when he left FC Cologne to join Monaco in Ligue 1, the connection was established between his entourage and the representatives of Senegal. In focus: the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I talked about it a lot with my family,” remembers the defender. “I grew up in Germany, but in a mix of the two cultures. During my first selection, I was a little stressed.” He then played 5 minutes with Senegal, in a friendly against Bolivia (2-0 victory), in Orléans, in September 2022.

Holder at 23

"It went well (...) Now, I feel totally appreciated and accepted in the country, as well as in the selection. It's not the German guy who arrives. People are proud that I am Senegalese, that I represents my father's country."

In Qatar, he won his starting place, until elimination in the round of 16, against England (0-3).

“The experience was exceptional. A World Cup, a CAN, a Euro are events that you dream of playing in when you are a child. Also, this first African Cup excites me,” he says.

With one objective, the back-to-back of Senegal: "Of course I see myself with the trophy in my hands when I dream. There is nothing else of value for this tournament. We cannot be satisfied a good run or a defeat in the final. The only thing that moves us forward is the final victory."

A third victory to complete this first phase.


Thank you all for the support. We continue 🇸🇳



Instagram 📸 pic.twitter.com/Uci7btQx5n

— Ismail Jakobs (@IsmailJakobs) January 24, 2024

Having become indisputable in Monaco as left piston after the injury to Brazilian Caio Henrique, Jakobs admits "having gained confidence" before the start of the CAN. He knows how to adapt to the left-back position in the defense set up by Aliou Cissé, where he plays with his Monegasque teammate Krepin Diatta

Read also Find the table for the final phase

Starting in the first three matches against Gambia (3-0), Cameroon (3-1) and Guinea (2-0), Jakobs is in good shape. His coach at Monaco, Adi Hütter, is full of praise: "He is very fast and physically strong. He knows how to attack space and depth and he has the discipline of German players."

It's up to Jakobs to prove him right, Monday, during the round of 16 against Côte d'Ivoire, survivors of the first round but vengeful, and who can above all count on the support of an entire country.

With AFP

The France 24 summary of the week

invites you to look back at the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 application