The pressure is evident as Senegal, the reigning champion, approaches a second title at Afcon 2023. The Lions of Teranga spoke during the traditional press conference prior to their first match against Gambia. During the interview with the press, a minor incident took place and Aliou Cissé made a rather hilarious request to his captain, Kalidou Koulibaly.
Unhappy finalist in 2019, Senegal bounced back brilliantly in 2021 to win the Afcon. Two years after this triumph, the Lions of Teranga must defend their title. On the eve of their clash against Gambia, the team led by Aliou Cissé launches hostilities. The Senegalese coach, accompanied by his captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, found himself in front of the press to talk about the derby against Gambia this Monday.
But the pre-match press conference ritual took a rather unexpected turn. Indeed, Aliou Cissé and Kalidou Koulibaly were interrupted by a musical broadcast, which added a touch of the unexpected to the event. A moment which, far from being disruptive, sparked smiles among the coach and the central defender. The Senegalese technician then gestured to the Al Hilal defender and asked him to get up to dance to the music.
“Go dance,” Aliou Cissé says to Koulibaly, who immediately refuses. “It takes the pressure off a little. It’s good ! », joked the Senegalese coach.
Senegal wants to retain its title at Afcon 2023
Historic winner of the Afcon in February 2022, Senegal aspires to retain its crown in Ivory Coast. After their duel against Gambia scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, the Teranga Lions will face Cameroon on January 19, before finishing the group stage against Kaba Diawara’s Guinea on January 23.
The road to success is looming, and Senegal, led by emblematic figures such as Sadio Mané, is ready to take up the challenge. Afcon 2023 therefore promises thrilling moments, with the Lions of Teranga determined to write a new chapter of glory in their footballing history. This is confirmed by Ismaila Sarr, Senegalese striker for OM.
“All competitions are special for me, and more so than the Afcon, because we won the first time. We want to win a second time, but we know it’s not easy. But we’re going to go there and do everything. Yes, everyone says that (that Senegal is the favorite). It’s normal because we won the Afcon. But we will stay calm. And that’s it, we’re going to Ivory Coast to show everything we have, to have a good competition and to win the Afcon. The Senegalese have already won one and want to win a second. “, he said during an interview with BeIN SPORTS.
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