The footballer of the "Al-Ahrabi" team from Senegal, Mohamed Diop, expressed the opinion that fasting during the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE is much easier than in his home country, due to a number of reasons. In Senegal, training and competitive matches are held until the time of breaking the fast, which affects the players, forcing them to feel a strong fatigue and lack of fluidity, regardless of the physical fitness of African footballers. In the UAE, sporting events, as a rule, take place after evening and night prayers.
Mohamed Diop is considered one of the best strikers playing in the first league (amateur league), and his team "Al-Ahrabi" currently ranks fourth, having chances for a professional tournament. Diop had previously coached his former team "Al-Aruza", helping them to try to enter the professional league.
Diop himself emphasized: "I have been here for four years, I play football and train in accordance with the Ramadan schedule in the UAE, used to it and made it a permanent part of my life. It seems to me that it is easier than in my home country, where it is difficult to engage in sports, especially to compete, under the conditions of the post, not so easy."
Diop also noted that he misses the Ramadan dishes, prepared in Senegal, such as the preserved chicken. At that time, as in the UAE after breaking the fast, they eat moderately or lightly before evening training sessions and matches, while the main source of food comes in the pre-dawn time.
The footballer expressed joy that the atmosphere of Ramadan in both countries is similar, with its religious setting and prayers, considering it a greater blessing. He also shared that his favorite Emirati dishes are "loukmaiya" as a dessert, as well as plov and biryani, admitting that he consumes them often.
Mohamed Diop recalled one of the most important goals he scored in his football career, which was scored in the last Ramadan at the "Al-Ahrabi" gate. He confirmed that the best days of his sporting life came precisely during the holy month of Ramadan.
