Senegal begins the defense of its title this Monday with its entry into the 2023 AFCON. The “Lions of Teranga” will play against neighboring Gambia. A match that should reveal a lot about the chances of recapturing the title for Sadio Mané and his teammates.
Strong, organized, and in a good dynamic, the management of Senegalese football is a marvel in Africa. For two years or more, Senegal has been the best African nation. Across all categories, it surpasses its opponents. Between AFCON 2021, CHAN, AFCON U20… dominance is truly evident on the continent.
On Monday, January 15, 2024, the Senegal team embarks on another major battle, that of reclaiming the title. However, achieving a double in Africa is not an easy task. Moreover, this Senegal team presenting itself in Ivory Coast is not quite the same anymore.
Senegal and the risk of complacency
The “Lions of Teranga” won their very first title in 2022 against Egypt. Behind this title, several generations tried in vain. Now that the generation of Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Gana Gueye, and Cheikhou Kouyaté has achieved it, it is difficult to see them surpassing themselves. And here comes the risk of surprise for the “Lions of Teranga.”
Desire. That’s the keyword, a determining factor in any competition. The team with the most desire to claim the final victory is the one that succeeds. With the core players of the Senegal national team in their thirties, it is not certain that the necessary sacrifices will be reflected on the field. Beyond the weight of age, the competitiveness of this backbone, which is of crucial importance for Aliou Cissé, is not what it used to be.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané have gone to exile in Saudi Arabia, far from the high demands of Europe. If they perform well with Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, which is not surprising, playing in an African Cup is a whole different story. Ask Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen; they will tell you. Managing this complicated situation is of a psychological nature. How to motivate players at the twilight of their careers and who have already won what they were fighting for for nearly two decades? It’s complicated!
Senegal has not really made its transition
The “Lions of Senegal” are dependent on Sadio. This was evident in the friendly preparation match for the AFCON against Niger. A modest African team, the Nigeriens held their own against the Senegalese until the 93rd minute. What worried observers the most was the lack of realism and cutting edge in front of goal. The absence of Sadio Mané was felt in the tactical and technical performance of this Senegalese team.
It must also be admitted that Aliou Cissé has built a team that plays for Sadio Mané. This tactic, based on one man, has its limits. For a long time, for example, Argentina suffered with Messi until in 2022 players like Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and an excellent Di Maria came to support La Pulga. This transition between generations is precisely what Aliou Cissé refuses to do. A mistake? Probably, yes.
The new generation has talent, that’s a fact. Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr must lead the midfield for the “Lions of Teranga.” However, Aliou Cissé relies on experience. Always. And it will be Gana Gueye or Cheikhou Kouyaté and Nampalys Mendy who will have his favor. Speaking of Nampalys and Gana, both come to AFCON 2023, diminished. Injured subsequently, they have not played in the meantime. What performance will they have? We may only find out too late. The danger of being a champion and returning to the conquest of a trophy is that you no longer allow yourself to doubt your achievements. And that is the biggest threat for Aliou Cissé and Senegal.
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