Watch parties held for France-Senegal World Cup match

World Cup enthusiasm hit Harlem on Tuesday.

Senegalese New Yorkers and African expats squeezed in to dine at Senegalese restaurant Chez Maty Et Sokhna on foods they grew up on. The owner told NY1 he is a massive soccer fan, a native of Senegal, and been waiting to host this watch party.

“We’re very excited, exciting to the World Cup right here, exciting the Senegalese team comes right here, that’s the best, best gift,” said Amadou Thiam.

“Extremely hype, very hype, I’m a big football fan, and I think Senegal is the strongest African team, I’m also from Africa, so I think Senegal has the best chance to represent the continent and do well in the tournament,” said Kaleb Gebrekirstos, who was also at the watch party.

Hadi Tadesse, who’s originally from Ethiopia, told NY1 at the watch party she has been watching the World Cup since she was a little girl.

“We never miss this, soccer is our life,” she said.

No African team has ever won the World Cup, but Tadesse believes this year’s tournament will be different.

“Africa never won, they getting better every four years, so Senegal, Morocco or Ghana, way to go! I can’t wait,” she said.

Somali-New Yorker Abdiaziz Ahmed, who was also at the watch party, said he’s also supporting all African teams. He added that the match at nearby MetLife Stadium was out of his price range and that this was the next best thing.

“This is the place to be, everybody is excited, there’s community around the games, people are getting together, food is being shared, and so we’re really excited to be here, I mean, I live down the street, and so I see it all the time, and these are my neighbors, and so I’m happy to support them,” said Ahmed.

And down at Pastis, a French restaurant in the Meatpacking District, French fans locked in for their watch party, supporting Les Bleus.

“Nice to come to some place with all the French supporters, all the French flags everywhere, and lots of jerseys, so feeling like a good crowd is here for the match,” said Matthew Lapolice.

And, for fans of Senegal, there’s hope for the next game — belief in a team that could go far in this competition.

“I want them to go all the way up,” said Tadesse.

“I feel like African teams are slept on,” added Ahmed.

The next match at MetLife is on June 22, and Senegal plays against Norway.