The nation's soccer fans were the big losers yesterday after a widely-anticipated exhibition game with Senegal's national team failed to materialize.
Dressed in training outfits, carrying video cameras and some wearing flip-flops, the Dakar Lions and their French coach Bruno Metsu underwhelmed the estimated 2,500 spectators at Chungshan Stadium with their performance -- which was more about taking shots with a camera than shots with a ball.
Following their remarkable run at the World Cup in Japan, which only ended with a 1-0 quarterfinal loss against Turkey on Saturday, the Africans were persuaded to spend two days in Taiwan on their way home -- at considerable cost to the government.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (
Chien said it was "the most economical way" to invite the world-class soccer team to drop by Taiwan on their way home from Japan.
"If we were to invite such a formidable team to visit Taiwan, the cost would have been much higher than what we have spent," he said.
But the two young local teams, one male and one female, that were supposed to take part in the exhibition -- won't have learned any new skills.
After some 30 minutes of dribbling, shooting at the goal, rece iving flowers and handing out autographs, the Senegalese -- who stunned defending champions France 1-0 in the opening match -- left the pitch.
The chairman of the National Council of Physical Fitness and Sports, Lin Te-fu (
"Actually, we just arranged a demonstration, with Senegal's national team, simply showing their skills to our national youth team," Lin said. "However, the guests, who only prepared to stay one night in Taiwan, left their uniforms and shoes with their main luggage at CKS airport. "I would like to apologize for disappointing sports fans because of a miscommunication between our officials and the guests."
El Hadj Malicksy, chairman of the Senegal National Soccer Association, who accompanied Lin, issued an apology as well.
Earlier yesterday morning President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) extended a warm welcome to the Senegal team at the Presidential Office, saying the team was "absolutely the greatest team in the world because it has made Senegal a power in the world."
According to Chen, "The national soccer team of Senegal is not just the pride of the whole of Africa but also of all its allies, including Taiwan.
"The successful experience of Senegal's national soccer team tells us that even a country that is poorer than many others can show its actual strength at the world's top sporting competitions."
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