In a lengthy interview, Senegalese journalist Aboubacry Bâ explained why Senegal, favourites for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, should keep their prestigious trophy in Ivory Coast.
The 34th Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Côte d’Ivoire from 13 January to 11 February, is fast approaching. Reigning African champions Senegal will be eagerly awaited on Ivorian soil. The Lions of Teranga, who boast one of the best squads in Africa, are consistently cited as one of the favourites for the tournament. Some of the stars in the squad, notably Kalidou Koulibaly, have already announced their intentions. Speaking to the cameras of Onzemondial, the Al-Hilal defender clearly announced the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the competition.
“I hope Senegal will be able to win the CAF Africa Cup of Nations again in Côte d’Ivoire,” began Koulibaly, before revealing his clear ambitions: “It’s one of our objectives, and we know it’s going to be difficult. All the big names on the African continent are ready. We know it’s going to be tough against our cousins from Gambia, Cameroon and Guinea. But Senegal will be ready and will do everything in their power to retain their title.
Aboubacry Bâ very optimistic for Senegal
While Kalidou Koulibaly has announced the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations with a great deal of caution, Aboubacry Bâ is very optimistic for Aliou Cissé and his men. Speaking to the newspaper Les Echos, the Senegalese journalist explained why he believes the Lions will be able to retain their title in Ivory Coast.
“The Senegal team has what it takes to retain its title! I feel like putting an exclamation mark after saying that. Senegal really do have what it takes to retain their title in Abidjan. We have a balanced and stronger team. It may seem strange to you, but I have the impression that this Senegal team is stronger now. They may not be more flamboyant, but they’re stronger because they’re calmer. You can feel the control and there’s no tinkering around,” said Aboubacry Bâ.
“We’re capable of playing big games like Brazil and Algeria, even if we lost. We played a big game against Cameroon and we didn’t look ridiculous at the 2022 World Cup. The team is less dependent on one or two individuals. There’s great chemistry and a lot of complementarity, with what Krépin Diatta has become and also the role of Kouyaté. We saw the different positions that Illimane Ndiaye occupies with the variety that we can bring to the front line with Ismaila Sarr. he added.
Senegal more mature
Senegal had a good World Cup in Qatar in 2022, although they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by England. The Lions also beat Brazil. According to Aboubacry Bâ, these matches have undoubtedly taken the African champions to another level.
According to him, “The team is much more serene and the coach has certainties. For me, that’s important to note in the evolution of this Senegalese team. A lot of maturity, a lot of confidence and a lot of determination too. And above all, I have the impression that this pressure, which is weighing a little on Senegal’s shoulders at the moment, is a positive thing. And to think that Aliou Cissé now has no choice, a good World Cup means a title.
“But it’s obvious that in two years the Senegalese national team has made enormous progress in terms of the game, the cohesion of the group, collective leadership, maturity and the desire to win again and again. I think that’s a very positive thing. That’s where Senegal’s strengths really lie, and for me, that’s the lever we need to use to win that second star that the Senegalese people are waiting for,” he says.
Drawn in Group C, Senegal kick off their competition on 15 January against Gambia, before facing Cameroon and Guinea respectively in the last two games of the group phase.
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