Senegal will be able to rely on Pape Gueye in the showdown against Ivory Coast. Injured against Guinea and absent from yesterday’s training, the player announces that he is feeling better.
In the frenzied race towards the title of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal, the defending champion, is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Ivory Coast, the host country. After an impeccable group stage, the Lions of Teranga are heading into the round of 16 with palpable confidence but also with concerns about the health status of one of their pillars, Pape Alassane Guèye.
Pape Gueye, a key player for Senegal
The victory against Guinea (2-0) was overshadowed by Pape Guèye’s premature exit due to injury. The Olympique de Marseille midfielder, who has been a crucial element with three consecutive starts, is now marked as uncertain for the crucial face-off against the Elephants. However, Guèye reassured supporters by explaining that his exit was more of a precautionary measure than a serious injury.
“I’m fine, thank God. It was a precaution. I felt a little pain so I preferred to inform the coach and come off. But I think it will get better God willing in the coming days,” said Pape Guèye in an interview with RTS. Despite this uncertainty, the new master of the Senegalese midfield should be able to hold his own against the Ivorian selection.
Pape Guèye has exceeded all expectations since returning to the field. After a four-month absence due to injury, the reigning African champion has shown an exceptional level of performance from the start of the 34th edition of the AFCON. He is now considered the linchpin of Aliou Cissé’s system, bringing crucial stability and creativity to the midfield of the Lions of Teranga.
Senegal awaits the return of Youssouf Sabaly
Like Pape Gueye, Senegal also has another potential starter who has not yet played in this AFCON 2023. Youssouf Sabaly, as it happens, is continuing his preparation. The player, who was unavailable due to injury before the start of the tournament, is getting closer to a return to the field.
During the Lions’ training session, held this Thursday afternoon on the auxiliary field of the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro, Youssouf Sabaly was seen working intensely with the team’s fitness coach.
This hard work lasted for over an hour, illustrating Youssouf Sabaly’s determination to regain full fitness and contribute to his team’s success. His ultimate goal seems to be to be part of the group that will face Ivory Coast in the round of 16 of the AFCON 2023, scheduled for next Monday.
Youssouf Sabaly’s presence on the field would be a breath of fresh air for the Senegalese team, bringing his experience and talent to an already strong defense. His eventual return would add an additional dimension to the coach’s tactical options and strengthen Senegal’s prospects in this exhilarating competition.
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