Senegal is facing a real setback just hours before the match against Ivory Coast. For this round of 16 of the 2023 AFCON, the “Lions of Teranga” will not rely on Pape Gueye, who is injured.
In the fever of AFCON 2023, the Senegalese national team must confront a major setback before their decisive match against Ivory Coast. The indispensable midfielder, Pape Gueye, will not be able to participate in this crucial encounter scheduled for tomorrow, Monday. This news has shaken the fans and placed additional pressure on the shoulders of the Lions of Teranga as they prepare to face the Elephants in the round of 16.
With Pape Gueye out, Senegal turns to the bench
Injured in the calf during the match against Guinea last Tuesday, Pape Gueye has been sidelined from training since then. Hopes of seeing him rejoin the team for the crucial match against Ivory Coast diminished this Sunday morning when the team’s coach, Aliou Cissé, remained vague about his player in the press conference.
Pape Gueye’s extended absence raises legitimate concerns about the balance and performance of the Senegalese team. Throughout the tournament, Pape Gueye has proven to be a pivotal figure in midfield, providing necessary stability and creativity for his team. His loss leaves a void difficult to fill, likely forcing Aliou Cissé to reconsider his game strategy for the upcoming match.
However, despite this disappointment, the Senegalese team still boasts strong resources in their midfield. Players like Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pathé Cissé, and Cheikhou Kouyaté are all viable options to step up. The challenge for Aliou Cissé will be to find the right balance and motivate his team to overcome this major setback and give their best on the field.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast, a cauldron for the “Lions”
Indeed, it will take a shining Senegal to surpass Ivory Coast. The Elephants will rely on their home crowd to challenge their opponent of the day. During Sunday’s press conference, the new coach, Emerse Faé, addressed a message to his team: a new competition begins, and Senegal must remain vigilant. “This resurrection, this qualification, it really comes from afar. It’s a second chance that God gives us, we have no right not to seize it fully. It was difficult to work, we had to heal the wounds of the 4-0 defeat and pray to qualify, knowing that it no longer depended on us. We were released on Wednesday night when Morocco beat Zambia,” said Emerse Faé before emphasizing the need for a real change in attitude.
“It would be unacceptable if attitudes do not change when we come back from so far away. I want to find my true Elephants! We will approach this match with confidence. I think that on paper, we have nothing to envy Senegal,” he continues. The former player who passed through Nice also briefly mentioned the history of a possible interim by Hervé Renard to replace him. He did not wish to dwell on this subject. “I had other things to think about than whether Pierre, Paul, or Jacques was going to come take my place. I didn’t want to miss my chance, I’m ambitious. Contrary to what people might think, I didn’t only have three days to prepare for the match, knowing the group saves me a lot of time.”
Senegal is thus warned, they will face a revenge-seeking Ivorian team that has nothing to lose in this AFCON 2023. After nearly being eliminated from the competition, the Elephants want to dominate the Lions in this round of 16. Tune in this Monday at 8 p.m. for an answer on the field.
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