Before flying to Ivory Coast, where they will defend their trophy in the 2023 AFCON, the Teranga Lions of Senegal received the flag from Macky Sall, the head of state. To motivate Aliou Cissé’s team to achieve success, the president made a huge promise to the players.
After a hard-fought victory against Niger A’ this Monday, Senegal’s national team went to the Senegal presidential palace on Tuesday to receive the country’s blessings. Welcomed by Macky Sall, the head of state, the Teranga Lions were honored and can now fly to Ivory Coast to valiantly defend their trophy won in 2022 in Cameroon. Announced as the top favorite for AFCON 2023 by the supercomputer Opta, Aliou Cissé’s team can depart even more strengthened by the president’s promise.
Unimaginable rewards for the Senegalese
Indeed, determined to leave a lasting impression on the players defending the national colors, Macky Sall used strong words for Sadio Mané and his teammates. After inviting them to adopt a warrior mentality in Ivory Coast to replicate the feat of the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the successor to Abdoulaye Wade addressed a crucial aspect: rewards in case of victory.
According to local media, also reported by Cameroun Actuel, Macky Sall plans to reward the national team players generously if they win the AFCON 2023. “If you win the trophy, you will receive rewards that you cannot imagine,” said the Senegal president to the Teranga Lions who enter the competition on January 15 against Gambia in Group C. For Aliou Cissé’s players, who will face Cameroon and Guinea afterward, this promise can significantly boost their winning spirit on Ivorian soil.
Major financial moves in favor of the Teranga Lions
In any case, the Senegalese president spares no effort to honor the national team players. After their first-ever victory in Cameroon in 2022, Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and others received a sum of 50 million CFA francs (approximately 83,000 dollars) and two residential plots, a token of recognition. If Macky Sall promises unimaginable rewards for the players in case of victory this year, one can imagine the excitement that may unfold. Clearly, for AFCON 2023, Senegal has decided to do things differently.
Recently, the Minister of Sports, Lat Diop, confirmed that the budget allocated to the Teranga Lions for AFCON 2023 has been increased. After spending 5 billion at AFCON 2021, Macky Sall has approved a substantial budget of 9 billion for the national team this time.
“Measures have been taken to ensure that the team is in good conditions”
“We are working on the AFCON. Our goal is to ensure that the team is in the best conditions to perform and win a second star in Abidjan. The president of the Republic has taken all necessary measures in this direction. January 9 is set as the departure date for the Lions to Yamoussoukro. All measures have been taken to ensure that the team is in good conditions for performance. The budget has been allocated, and it has been approved by President Macky Sall,” informed the Senegalese Minister of Sports.
In any case, the ingredients are in place for Senegal to achieve success at the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite absences due to injuries, Aliou Cissé relies on several talents in his team to lead the team to success and fulfill Macky Sall’s promises. Stay tuned for AFCON to follow Sadio Mané’s journey, who is experiencing a revival since last weekend.
What do you think of Macky Sall’s statements?
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